Four people were killed on Monday afternoon after unidentified armed miscreants ambushed a vehicle near K. Mongjang village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, police said. The incident, which occurred around 1 pm, is suspected to be the result of ongoing factional rivalry among Kuki militant groups.
According to officials, three individuals travelling in the vehicle were killed on the spot, while a woman passerby, who was caught in the crossfire, later succumbed to her injuries.
Among the deceased was Thangboi Haokip alias Thahpi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA)—one of the most prominent Kuki militant outfits in the region.
“Three individuals were killed on the spot and a woman passerby, who was caught in the crossfire, succumbed to her injuries later,” police said.
While no militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, authorities suspect the involvement of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA)—a splinter group of KNO/KNA with a history of rivalries and internal disputes.
Police recovered several empty 5.56 mm ammunition casings at the scene, suggesting the use of sophisticated automatic weapons. The targeted vehicle bore multiple bullet marks, indicating heavy gunfire during the ambush.
The killing of a senior Kuki commander has raised fears of retaliatory attacks, prompting the administration to heighten security in and around the Churachandpur district.
“Investigations are currently underway,” police added, as authorities continue efforts to confirm the identities of the attackers and prevent further escalation.