Confrontations in South Changoubung and Senapati broke out over bandh enforcement, with allegations of indiscriminate firing, stone-pelting and unauthorized intrusion deepening inter-community tensions
BY PC Bureau
April 21, 2026 — Fresh unrest rocked Manipur’s hill districts on Tuesday as clashes, road confrontations and reports of gunfire during a three-day shutdown called by Naga civil organisations heightened fears of renewed ethnic tensions between Naga and Kuki communities.
The shutdown, called by the United Naga Council (UNC) and supported by other Naga groups, was launched in protest over the April 18 killing of two Tangkhul Naga civilians in an ambush along National Highway 202 in Ukhrul district. One of those killed was a retired Army personnel. The bandh, which began at midnight on April 20, disrupted normal life across several Naga-inhabited districts and set the stage for Tuesday’s tensions.
The most serious incident was reported from South Changoubung, a Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, where a confrontation broke out after UNC bandh volunteers reportedly entered the area to enforce the shutdown. Local residents said the volunteers attempted to erect roadblocks, close the village gate and compel shops to shut, prompting resistance from villagers who objected to what they described as outside interference within their jurisdiction.
The standoff soon escalated into stone-pelting, followed by reports of gunfire that triggered panic among residents.
Tangkhul led NSCN IM gunmen stationed at T Khullen in Kangpokpi Dist fired on security forces and Manipur police @adgpi @ANI @NIA_India @Spearcorps @official_dgar @_VoNEI @NENowNews @IndiaTodayNE @Dig_raw21 @majoramitbansal pic.twitter.com/l2iB467GSG
— TPKZ (@KukiZo1437) April 21, 2026
Kuki organisations alleged that bandh volunteers from nearby Naga areas, including T. Khullen, opened indiscriminate fire using automatic weapons toward the village, an allegation that could not be independently verified. On the other hand, Naga organisations have accused Kuki groups of opening fire.
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Additional police and security forces were rushed to affected villages and sensitive stretches of National Highway 2, with officials saying the situation was brought largely under control by evening, though tensions remained high.
The shutdown severely disrupted daily life across Tamenglong, Noney, Kamjong, Senapati and Ukhrul districts, with shops closed, transport affected and movement restricted in many areas.
The latest flare-up has once again exposed the fragility of peace in Manipur’s hill regions, where longstanding disputes over territory, jurisdiction and community rights continue to fuel mistrust between ethnic groups.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and appealed to all sides to exercise restraint and avoid provocative actions that could trigger further escalation.
Further updates are expected as more information emerges from the ground.
