Chassad remains on edge amid a cycle of violence, competing accusations and heightened security in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
By PC Bureau
October 17, 2026: One person was killed and four others were injured in an alleged attack by NSCN-IM cadres at Chassad village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Saturday, according to information received from local sources.
The deceased was identified as Seikhohao Haokip, about 35, son of Thangchon Haokip. Four other civilians, including the chief of Chassad village, were reportedly injured when armed men allegedly opened fire with automatic weapons in the afternoon.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about civilian safety in the conflict-hit district. Local reports alleged that the attackers were firing clsoe to the Chassad Police Station on Kuki civilians, raising serious questions about the circumstances in which the alleged attack took place.
Village chief among four injured
According to information provided by local sources, the four injured civilians were identified as:
- Thangjahou Haokip, chief of Chassad village.
- St. Khailun Haokip.
- Thanggin Haokip
- Seipao Haokip, chief of Phungtha, also known as Kachouphung-Kuki.
- READ: Manipur: Kipgen’s Imphal Return—The Final Nail in the Kuki-Zo Movement?
Happening now :
Chassad village under attacked by NSCN IM. Just adjacent to Chassad village is manipur police station, IRB outpost and ASSAM RIFLE battalion. How could this happened in broad day light? @Spearcorps @adgpi @ACLEDINFO @HMOIndia @manipur_police @the_hindu @ANI https://t.co/qvN4AP2l2K
— Mike Lalneo Haokip (@miketlhkip) October 17, 2026
The injured were reportedly taken to a nearby Army camp in Chassad for medical treatment. Their medical condition was not immediately available.
Seipao Haokip was reportedly living in the area as an internally displaced person after leaving his village. Local accounts attributed his displacement to actions by NSCN-IM and Tangkhul groups, allegations that require independent verification.
The reported killing and injuries could not be independently confirmed through an official statement at the time of publication. The precise circumstances of the attack, the identity of those responsible and the allegation concerning the use of the police station remain unverified.
Fresh violence amid heightened tensions
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Kamjong and neighbouring areas, where violence involving members of the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga communities has raised concerns about the safety of civilians.
Chassad has been at the centre of a fresh cycle of violence since October 9, when Kuki woman Domkhonei Touthang was allegedly shot dead during a protest against the detention of village volunteers. The incident was followed by further clashes, reports of another fatality and the burning of houses. Kuki civil society organisations subsequently called for an independent inquiry into Touthang’s death and allegations concerning the role of security personnel.
READ: Manipur: Kipgen’s Imphal Return—The Final Nail in the Kuki-Zo Movement?
The violence widened on October 10, when reports emerged of killings and arson in Chassad and other parts of Kamjong district. Four people were killed and around 20 houses and shops burnt during the clashes. Security was subsequently strengthened in Chassad and surrounding areas.
The latest reported attack adds to an increasingly volatile situation in which Kuki and Naga groups have traded accusations over violence and civilian casualties. The allegations of NSCN-IM involvement and the claim concerning Chassad Police Station have not been independently verified.
