Two consecutive days of deadly violence have claimed the lives of three Meitei men and a Kuki-Zo man who were gathering forest produce. Local organisations have demanded an impartial investigation and stronger security, saying civilians must be able to collect food and earn a livelihood without fear.
BY PC Bureau
October 20, 2026: Even as much of the country celebrated Dussehra, a 44-year-old Kuki-Zo man was shot dead by armed assailants while collecting wild bamboo shoots in a forested area of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Tuesday morning. The killing came a day after three Meitei men were shot dead while collecting firewood in the Sunurok hills, highlighting the continuing dangers faced by civilians venturing into forested areas for their livelihood.
NSCN (I-M) and ZUF KAMSON militants are suspected to be involved in the killing.
The three Meitei men were among a group of villagers ambushed by unidentified armed assailants at Sunurok on Monday. Three others were injured. The killings triggered protests in Imphal, with residents bringing two of the victims’ bodies to the entrance of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence.
Manipur Police subsequently announced an intensive search operation involving state police, CoBRA, the CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles. Drones and sniffer dogs were deployed, while helicopters were used for surveillance. Police also set up mobile checkposts and assured the public that efforts were under way to identify and arrest those responsible.
Against this backdrop of renewed violence, the killing of the Kuki-Zo man has added to concerns over the safety of civilians across Manipur’s conflict-affected areas.
The victim, Paolenmung Thangeo of P. Muolding village, had entered the forest with Laldenga of Molhoi village when the attack occurred at around 7 am on Tuesday. Thangeo suffered fatal gunshot injuries, while his companion managed to escape.
According to statements issued by the P. Muolding Village Authority and the P. Muolding Youth Club, the two Kuki-Zo civilians had gone into the forest to gather bamboo shoots. Thangeo is survived by his wife, Kholneichong Thangeo, and their three children.
The Village Authority alleged that the attackers were Tangkhul/Liangmei Kacha Naga militants linked to the NSCN-IM and ZUF(K). These allegations have not been independently verified.
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The two local bodies condemned the killing and called on the central and Manipur governments, along with security agencies, to launch an immediate and impartial investigation, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution.
They also urged authorities to strengthen security in Leimakhong and neighbouring areas, warning that repeated attacks were deepening fear among civilians, particularly those who venture into forests to collect food and other resources.
The Village Authority linked the latest killing to wider concerns over the safety of Kuki-Zo civilians, citing the recent abduction and killing of Hemjang Haokip of Khunkho Kuki village. It said recurring violence had made daily life increasingly insecure for residents who depend on forest produce for their sustenance.
The Youth Club appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and expressed condolences to Thangeo’s family. Both organisations stressed that civilians must be able to earn their livelihood without fear and called for urgent steps to prevent further bloodshed.
