Local authorities in Mullam village claim militants opened fire and set homes ablaze, leaving multiple people injured and raising fears of further escalation.
BY PC Bureau
April 24, 2026 — Fresh violence has been reported in Manipur’s Ukhrul region amid ongoing ethnic tensions, with both Naga and Kuki groups alleging attacks on the same day. Two Kuki civilians and one Naga village guard are reported to have died in the skirmishes.
According to a statement issued by the Mullam Village Authority, Mullam village came under an armed attack in the early hours of April 24. The authority alleged that Tangkhul militants were responsible. A gunshot was reportedly heard near the village around 1:00 AM, followed by heavy firing at approximately 5:30 AM. The incident was also accompanied by reports of houses being set on fire.
The statement said several individuals were injured, including two who were seriously wounded and rescued. It also mentioned unconfirmed reports of additional injuries and one possible fatality. The Mullam Village Authority described the incident as an “unprovoked and premeditated assault” and cited earlier tensions, including reported firing incidents on April 19 and April 21.
However sources said that, two Kuki civilians died in the attack. While one died on the sport, the other one succumbed to his injuriy later.
In a separate incident in the same region, a 29-year-old member of the Naga Village Guards (NVG) was killed in what has been described as an ambush by suspected Kuki armed cadres.
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Naga Village Guard killed by Kuki SoO Cadres in an Ambush
“The Naga Village Guards posted near Sirarakhong had gone out for patrol between Sirarakhong and Sinakeithei when they were ambushed by the Kuki cadres under SoO along with other illegal Kuki militants, killing Horshokmi… pic.twitter.com/kR6qUxsANy
— SpeakNaga_X (@SpeakNaga_X) April 24, 2026
The deceased, identified as Horshokmi Jamang from Chatric Khullen village in Kamjong district, was reportedly killed during a patrol near the Sirarakhong–Sinakeithei stretch. The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) stated that NVG personnel stationed near Sirarakhong were ambushed during a routine operation. According to the organisation, the attackers were suspected Kuki militants, including those operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangements. Jamang was killed on the spot.
Both sides have expressed concern over rising tensions, increased armed movement, and the impact on civilian safety in the hill districts.
Current Situation
- Mullam village (Kuki side): Reports of injuries, property damage, and an unverified fatality following an alleged attack.
- Naga Village Guards: One member confirmed dead in an alleged ambush.
The incidents underscore the fragile security environment in Ukhrul and adjoining areas, where village peripheries and patrol routes remain highly sensitive.
Local organisations from both communities have called for restraint and urged authorities to take steps to prevent further escalation. As of now, there has been no detailed official statement from the Manipur government or security forces regarding the incidents.
This remains a developing story, and further details are awaited pending independent verification.
