The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has condemned the incident and alleged that armed militants were behind the attack, describing it as a setback to ongoing peace efforts. However, these claims remain unverified, and authorities have yet to confirm the identity of those responsible.
BY PC Bureau
April 9, 2026 — A reported shooting in a designated buffer zone in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has once again brought attention to the fragile security situation in the state, with local groups raising concerns over the safety of civilians in sensitive border areas.
The incident took place around 10:00 pm on April 8 at Shantipur, a notified peace zone between Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district and Sekmai in Imphal West district. According to initial reports, three Kuki-Zo men were targeted, with one sustaining a gunshot injury to his left arm. He was taken to a hospital in Kangpokpi, where the bullet was surgically removed. Doctors said his condition is stable and he remains under observation.
The reported firing has renewed concerns in fringe areas that had seen relative calm in recent months. Buffer zones, created to separate communities after the 2023 ethnic clashes, continue to remain highly sensitive, and such incidents tend to quickly escalate tensions.
READ: Kuki Students’ Body Alleges State Failure to Protect Children in Manipur Hills
Allegations and Reactions
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills issued a statement condemning the incident and described it as a setback to ongoing peace efforts. The group alleged that the shooting was carried out by armed Meitei militants, though these claims have not been independently verified. There has been no official confirmation so far regarding those responsible.
CoTU also criticised the security situation in buffer zones, stating that repeated incidents were undermining public confidence. It referred to recent violence elsewhere in the state as further evidence of continuing instability.
Following the incident, CoTU announced a 24-hour shutdown across Kangpokpi district and along National Highway-2 from midnight of April 9 to April 10. The shutdown has been called as a protest against the reported attack and to demand accountability. Essential services, including medical emergencies, water supply, electricity, funeral processions, and movement of air passengers, have been exempted.
Local residents expressed concern over the possibility of renewed unrest, with some questioning the adequacy of security arrangements in vulnerable areas. However, officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the incident.
No further clashes have been reported so far, but security forces are maintaining a close watch on the situation. The incident comes amid sporadic violence reported in parts of Manipur in recent weeks, highlighting the continuing volatility in the region.
The state has been dealing with ethnic tensions since 2023, largely between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. While there have been intermittent periods of calm, incidents in buffer zones continue to pose challenges to maintaining stability. Authorities have urged restraint as the situation develops.
