Fresh Violence Erupts in Manipur, Raising Questions Over Modi Government’s Handling of Crisis

NEW DELHI: Fresh violence has erupted in India’s Manipur state, with the killing of two Kuki women followed by an armed attack on a Naga village in which two houses were set ablaze and an exchange of fire with security forces continued for nearly six hours.

The latest developments have renewed concerns over the ability of the authorities to prevent recurring violence and protect vulnerable communities in the state.

According to Indian media reports, two Kuki women were shot dead on September 15 in Leisangphai village in Tamenglong district.

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Kimjalhai Singson, a nursing graduate, and 76-year-old Phalneichong Sitlhou. Both were residents of the same village.

The killings triggered fresh tension in the region and were followed within hours by another armed attack in neighbouring Kangpokpi district.

A group of armed assailants attacked Chawangkining Naga village in Kangpokpi district late Tuesday night, according to officials.

The attackers reportedly set two wooden houses on the outskirts of the village on fire and exchanged gunfire with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in the area.

Officials said intermittent firing continued for nearly six hours, until around 4:30am on Wednesday. Security forces reportedly prevented the attackers from entering and overrunning the village.

The latest violence comes against the backdrop of the prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023.

According to figures presented by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam in the state Assembly, 306 people had been killed and 49 remained missing as of August 31, 2026. More than 28,000 internally displaced people were still living in relief camps and temporary locations, according to figures reported by The Times of India.

The prolonged unrest has also resulted in large-scale displacement and continuing security concerns across the state.

The repeated outbreaks of violence have prompted continued scrutiny of the security situation in Manipur and the authorities’ ability to prevent attacks on civilians.

The latest incidents demonstrate that armed violence remains a serious concern despite efforts to restore stability.

Political and community leaders from different sides have condemned the killings and the attacks. A senior Naga leader, Awangbou Newmai, described the violence as senseless, while a Kuki legislator also condemned the killing of the two women.

The continuing violence has also kept attention focused on human rights and minority protection in Manipur.

Rights groups and UN human rights mechanisms have previously expressed concerns regarding violence, displacement, disappearances and the protection of vulnerable communities in the state.

The latest killings and the subsequent six-hour gunfight have once again highlighted the fragile security environment and the deep divisions that continue to affect communities in Manipur.

For the Modi government and the BJP-led state administration, the challenge remains to prevent further violence, protect civilians and address the underlying political and ethnic tensions that have kept the conflict alive since 2023.