Our Bureau
Imphal
A 45-year-old Kuki man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, a day after three Meitei villagers were killed in a suspected militant attack, deepening ethnic tensions and raising fresh concerns over civilian safety in the state.
The deceased, identified as Paolenmung Thangeo, was collecting bamboo shoots with another person in a forested area near P Muolding village when the assailants opened fire. His companion escaped unharmed, according to reports.
The latest shooting followed an ambush on Monday in which three Meitei men were killed and three others injured while collecting firewood near Nongsum Hills, along the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. The attack prompted protests in Imphal, with demonstrators bringing the bodies of two victims to the Chief Minister’s residence.
Police arrested three suspects in connection with Monday’s attack. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorje said two of the accused had admitted to participating in the ambush, while the role of the third was being investigated. Security forces subsequently recovered a cache of firearms, ammunition and explosives, according to police.
The Committee on Tribal Unity condemned Thangeo’s killing and highlighted the continuing insecurity, loss of lives and displacement experienced by residents. The back-to-back attacks have heightened fears of renewed clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, whose relations have remained strained since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
Authorities are facing renewed pressure to strengthen security and prevent further attacks as the state grapples with fresh unrest and protests.