Four civilians from the Kuki-Zo community, including two women, were killed in two separate incidents in Manipur on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The attacks took place in Tamenglong and Noney districts and have raised fresh concerns about violence and security in the state.
The attackers were unidentified gunmen, and no group has officially claimed responsibility for the killings. However, Kuki-Zo organizations have accused the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson) of being behind the attacks.
Couple Killed in Early Morning Attack
The first incident took place at around 4 a.m. in Tollen village, located in Tamenglong district.
According to reports, Seineh Singsit and his wife, Lhingzangai, came under attack. Lhingzangai was killed at the scene, while her husband suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital.
Seineh later died while receiving treatment. Their six-year-old son was also injured after being hit by a bullet. The child is currently undergoing treatment.
The deaths of the couple have caused shock among local residents, with community groups calling for immediate action against those responsible.
Two Killed in Rice Transport Ambush
A second attack was reported around 3 p.m. in Longpi village, in Noney district.
Three people were reportedly travelling to transport rice when armed men ambushed them. Two of the victims, Julie Gangte and Thangroel Gangte, were killed at the spot.
The third person, a woman, was reportedly missing following the attack. Security officials are expected to investigate the incident and search for the missing woman.
Kuki-Zo Groups Demand Quick Justice
Kuki-Zo organizations strongly condemned both attacks and demanded immediate action from the authorities. They called the killings a serious attack on innocent civilians and demanded that those responsible be identified and arrested.
The Kuki Inpi JTN described the killings as an affront to humanity and called for immediate justice. The organization also urged the authorities to identify the attackers within 24 hours.
Community leaders warned that if the authorities failed to take action within the demanded period, they could consider further steps.
The incidents have added to concerns over the continuing security situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions and violence have affected communities for several years.
Chief Minister Condemns Violence
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed deep concern over the killings. He said violence against civilians has no place in society and offered condolences to the families of those who died.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern for those injured in the attacks and prayed for their recovery.
Authorities are expected to investigate the incidents and determine who carried out the attacks. Security measures may also be increased in vulnerable areas to prevent further violence.
Government Faces Pressure Over NRC Agitation
Meanwhile, the Manipur government is also dealing with a separate political issue related to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The state government has asked the Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation to end its shutdown of government offices. The organization began the shutdown as part of its demand for an updated NRC in Manipur.
Government representatives said continuing the agitation after the Union Ministry postponed the Census process in the state was not justified. They also stated that a large section of Manipur’s population supports using 1951 as the base year for updating the NRC.
The government has urged the group to end the shutdown and continue discussions through peaceful and democratic methods.
The two developments have once again placed Manipur’s security and political situation under attention. While authorities face demands for quick action over the civilian killings, they are also being asked to address concerns surrounding the NRC and related issues through dialogue.