Electric lineman shot dead, 24 houses torched as fresh violence grips Manipur

Fresh incidents of violence were reported in Manipur on Wednesday, with a private electric lineman shot dead while repairing a power line in Tamenglong district and at least 24 houses in two Naga villages in neighbouring Kangpokpi district set ablaze hours later.

The attacks have added to the continuing tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in the state, with security concerns persisting across several hill districts.

The first incident took place around 4 am at Lasan village in Tamenglong district, about 29 km east of Tamei police station. According to police, armed miscreants shot dead 36-year-old Paojangam Chongloi of Wakotphai village while he was repairing a 33 KV power line. His body was later brought to Kangpokpi district hospital.

The officer-in-charge of Tamei police station said police personnel were unable to immediately reach the remote location.

“As my police team are not able to reach the spot, we have requested Kangpokpi police to conduct spot investigation and other necessary legal steps,” he told India Today.

A written complaint was subsequently lodged by Thanggunhao Hangshing, secretary of a local body in Wakotphai village, in connection with the killing.

The complaint urged police to register an FIR against cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), alleging that the Naga armed group was responsible. The allegation has not been independently established.

Later in the morning, armed miscreants allegedly attacked and set fire to houses in Makui Khuman and Makui Thanamba, also referred to as Chamruioiu village, under Chalwa police station in Kangpokpi district.

The two villages are around 15 km northeast of the police station and are separated by roughly 2-3 km.

A villager from Makui Khuman said the attacks took place around 5 am, with the two villages targeted one after another.

Each village has around 12 households, but their residents had already been displaced following the Naga-Kuki clashes and were staying at Makui Khunjao, around 12 km away.

“When we reach out village all the houses of both the villages (24 in total) were reduced to ashes,” the villager said, adding that no security forces had been deployed in the two villages.

Around 25 houses had also reportedly been burnt by unidentified miscreants on September 1 and 2.MULTIPLE VIOLENT INCIDENTS THIS MONTH

The latest violence follows a series of attacks in Tamenglong district this month. On September 21, a 17-year-old Naga boy was shot dead while walking alone from Upper Nkou village towards Tamei town to buy essential commodities. Police said Naga village volunteers later found his body on a narrow path.

Former Meghalaya minister Awangbow Newmai condemned the killing, saying, “I unequivocally condemn the cowardly and heinous acts of terrorism that target innocent civilians and threaten peace and security. Such barbaric violence has no justification and no place in a civilised society.” He also expressed condolences to the boy's family.

On September 15, two Kuki women, 60-year-old Chonga Sitlhou and 30-year-old Kimboi Singson, were shot dead in Leisangphai village while collecting firewood.

Several farmhouses were also allegedly set ablaze. The attack came two days after four people were killed in separate incidents in Tamenglong and neighbouring Noney district.

The continuing violence comes amid the broader ethnic conflict in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023 between Meitei and Kuki communities.

Officials have cited more than 300 deaths since the conflict began, while thousands have been displaced.

With fresh attacks continuing, authorities are expected to investigate the latest killings and arson incidents, identify those responsible and assess security arrangements in vulnerable villages.

Community groups have meanwhile called for impartial investigations and stronger protection for civilians to prevent further escalation.- EndsPublished By: Vivek Published On: Sep 23, 2026 21:38 IST