Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Two Kuki-Zo Women Killed in Suspected Manipur Militant Attack
Two Kuki-Zo women were killed in a village in Manipur.
They were identified as 70-year-old Chonga Sitlhou and 28-year-old Kimneo Singson.
The shooting happened on Tuesday afternoon in Leisangphai.
Police said it may have been carried out by militants.
The Kuki-Zo Council blamed two Naga armed groups, but the report does not say that this accusation has been proven.
The attack happened two days after four other Kuki people were killed in the same district.
The council said civilians were being targeted and asked governments to stop the violence.
The killings are part of a larger conflict in Manipur that has killed hundreds and displaced thousands.
Two Kuki-Zo women, Chonga Sitlhou and Kimneo Singson, were shot dead in Leisangphai village, Manipur.
The attack occurred around 3 p.m. on Tuesday while Sitlhou was collecting firewood.
Police described the incident as a suspected militant attack, while the Kuki-Zo Council accused two Naga armed groups.
The killings came two days after four Kuki community members were killed in two Tamenglong incidents.
The Kuki-Naga conflict has caused at least 40 deaths since February, amid a wider Manipur conflict that has killed more than 300 people since May 2023.
- Who
- The victims were Chonga Sitlhou, 70, and Kimneo Singson, 28; the Kuki-Zo Council accused the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson).
- What
- Two Kuki-Zo women were shot dead in a suspected militant attack.
- When
- Tuesday, at about 3 p.m.; the report does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Leisangphai village in Tamenglong district, Manipur.
- Why
- The motive was not established; the Kuki-Zo Council said the attack appeared intended to terrorise and drive Kuki-Zo communities from their settlements.
Kuki-Zo Council's Account
Officially Reported Position
Responsibility for the attack
Kuki-Zo Council's Account
The Kuki-Zo Council accused the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson) of carrying out the killings.
Officially Reported Position
A police official described the incident as a suspected militant attack, but the report does not establish which group was responsible.
Purpose of the violence
Kuki-Zo Council's Account
The council said the continued targeting of civilians raised concerns about efforts to terrorise and drive Kuki-Zo communities from their settlements.
Officially Reported Position
No confirmed motive is provided in the report.
Response to the killings
Kuki-Zo Council's Account
The council called on the Union and Manipur governments to end impunity and told Kuki-Zo civil society groups not to bury alleged victims until further notice.
Officially Reported Position
The report does not describe a specific government response beyond the police account.
- Victims
- Chonga Sitlhou, 70, and Kimneo Singson, 28
- Location
- Leisangphai village, Tamenglong district, Manipur
- Time
- Around 3 p.m. on Tuesday
- Recent violence
- Four Kuki community members were killed in two Tamenglong incidents on the preceding Sunday
- Kuki-Naga conflict toll
- At least 40 deaths since the conflict began in February
- Wider Manipur conflict
- More than 300 people killed and more than 59,000 displaced since May 2023
- Council response
- The Kuki-Zo Council called for government action and directed organisations to delay burials of alleged victims of Naga armed groups