World · South & Central Asia · 44 mins ago
Three Kuki men killed in gunfire in Manipur as rally demands end to pact
Three Kuki men were killed in a gunfight in Noney district, Manipur, on Saturday.
Police said unidentified armed groups had exchanged sporadic fire in the area since October 29, and security forces were deployed after the deaths.
A Kuki organisation blamed two armed groups for the killings, but police did not identify those responsible.
The deaths came as thousands of people from Meitei and Naga organisations rallied in Imphal, demanding an end to the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups.
The agreement expired on September 24, and the rally called for it not to be extended, along with the closure of designated camps and seizure of weapons.
Participants also called for permanent rehabilitation for people displaced by the conflict, including security, property restoration and livelihood support.
The wider violence has killed at least 306 people in clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities, while Kuki-Naga clashes have killed around 50 since February.
Three Kuki men were killed in a gunfight between armed groups in Manipur’s Noney district on October 31.
The shooting took place at Kekru Naga village, where gunfire had been reported since October 29.
Police said security forces were deployed and that four automatic assault rifles, a single-barrel rifle, a drone, ammunition and improvised explosives were recovered.
Kuki Inpi Manipur accused Naga armed groups of responsibility and called for justice and state action.
Thousands of people rallied in Imphal, demanding that the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups be scrapped.
- Who
- Three Kuki men were killed. Police identified them as Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip and Lamminsang Kipgen.
- What
- They were killed in a gunfight between armed groups. A rally in Imphal called for the SoO agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups to be ended.
- When
- Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- Where
- The shooting took place at Kekru Naga village in Noney district, Manipur. The rally was held in Imphal.
- Why
- The cause of the gunfight is not stated. Kuki Inpi Manipur blamed Naga armed groups, while police described the groups as unidentified.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Police said sporadic gunfire between groups suspected to belong to the Naga and Kuki communities had been reported in the area.
Gunfire at Kekru Naga village killed three Kuki men.
Thousands of people rallied in Imphal, demanding the termination of the SoO agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups.
- Fatalities
- 3 Kuki men
- Location
- Kekru Naga village, Noney district, Manipur
- Date
- October 31, 2026
- Identified victims
- Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip and Lamminsang Kipgen
- Rally location
- Imphal
- Recovered at scene
- 4 automatic assault rifles, a single-barrel rifle, a drone, ammunition and improvised explosives
2 sources
What people are saying
The murder of these three brave village volunteers in Noney district is the direct consequence of the state’s reckless refusal to provide adequate security to vulnerable Kuki-Zo communities.
Necessary security measures have been taken in the area.