Manipur violence: Toll rises to nine as CM appeals for peace; more forces sent to hill districts

The violence-hit hill districts of Manipur remained tense on Sunday (October 11, 2026), a day after a fresh round of clashes between two communities left nine people dead, even as Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh appealed for peace and restraint and directed officials to bring the situation under control.

The killings were reported in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts on Friday (October 9, 2026) and Saturday (October 10, 2026), according to officials.

In a post on social media, the Chief Minister said he condemned the killing of innocent civilians and the violence. "I have instructed the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective steps to control the situation, restore peace and order and ensure the safety and security of all citizens," he said. Mr. Singh appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and to prioritise peace, dialogue and harmony.

Additional security forces have been rushed to Kangpokpi and Kamjong, the worst-affected districts, officials said.

According to officials, the fresh spell of violence began after a 22-year-old woman, a mother of five children, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Chassad village on the night of October 9. Chassad is a Kuki-dominated village in Kamjong district, where Nagas are in the majority. Her killing triggered an exchange of fire between Kuki and Naga armed groups that continued until Saturday morning. A 42-year-old man was killed and 10 houses were torched in the course of those clashes.

Prohibitory orders under Section 162 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in the village to prevent further violence.

Officials said two Naga village guards, M. Daimai and R. Gangmei, and another person identified as Ringkangmai, were killed when suspected militants attacked Tapon and Makui villages in Kangpokpi district on Saturday. A Naga civil society organisation, the Working Committee JTC Manipur, claimed that a 52-year-old villager, identified as Ajinbou R., was killed and his head severed, and demanded that it be returned for a dignified burial.

Suspected militants also entered Ningchou village, a Tangkhul Naga settlement near the India-Myanmar border in Kamjong district, and opened fire on Saturday, killing Ngachanso Ningshen, 35, and Leishishan Leishadang, 48, the officials said. Security forces reached the village after the incident. Local residents said the attackers fled towards Myanmar.

In Ukhrul, Sandeep Rai, 40, was killed near Chepu Yaolen village on Saturday when suspected militants opened fire at the car he was driving, officials said. A heavy exchange of fire was also reported between armed groups at Makui Ashang and Tapon in Kangpokpi district.

More than 40 people have been killed and dozens of houses torched in violence between Kuki and Naga tribes since February 2026, according to official estimates.

The State had earlier witnessed ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kukis, in which more than 300 people were killed, 49 remained missing and thousands were rendered homeless.

This report is based on information provided by State officials and civil society organisations. Details from the affected areas could not be independently verified immediately, and figures may be revised as more information emerges.