Imphal, May 13, 2026 — Violence in Manipur took a grim turn on Wednesday as suspected militants carried out two separate ambushes in a single day, deepening fears of renewed ethnic tensions in the hill districts.
In the latest incident reported from Noney district in the evening, one person was killed and his wife injured when armed assailants ambushed their vehicle near the Joujangtek area (between Joujangtek village and Nungsai). The deceased has been identified as Wilson Thanga from Dolang village. The couple was returning home from Imphal when the attack occurred. The injured woman has been shifted to a medical facility for treatment.
This ambush came just hours after a more lethal morning attack in Kangpokpi district, where three prominent Kuki-Zo church leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were killed and several others injured.
The Kangpokpi incident took place around 10 a.m. between Kotzim (or Kotlen) and Kotlen villages along the route from Churachandpur (Lamka) to Kangpokpi. The victims were traveling in two vehicles after attending a church leaders’ meeting when unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire.
Deceased identified:
- Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou (former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention)
- Rev. Kaigoulun (or Kaigoulen)
- Pastor Paogoulen (or Paothang)
A driver named Lelen was also among those killed, with reports indicating four deaths in total in some accounts. At least five others, including pastors and another driver, sustained injuries and were receiving treatment.
The attacks have triggered immediate backlash. Kuki organisations have called for total shutdowns and blockades along NH-2 in areas like Kangpokpi and Churachandpur. The United Naga Council (UNC) has condemned the Kangpokpi ambush while raising concerns over separate reported tensions involving Naga villagers.
No group has claimed responsibility for either incident so far. Kuki leaders have pointed fingers at the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-Kamson faction), though the outfit has denied involvement. Security forces have launched operations in both areas, but the quick succession of attacks highlights the fragile security situation.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence, primarily between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, with sporadic Naga-Kuki frictions adding layers of complexity in the hills. These latest killings risk further destabilising efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
Authorities, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, have strongly condemned the violence, calling it a “barbaric” act that cannot be justified. As tensions simmer, residents and community leaders urge calm and swift justice to prevent escalation. The situation remains fluid, with heavy security deployment in affected districts.
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