- Gunfire reported in Sinakeithei village of Ukhrul district
- Villagers allege clash between Kuki insurgents and Naga volunteers
- Firing continued intermittently, no casualties reported
- Incident revives concerns over ethnic tensions in Manipur
GG News Bureau
Imphal, 20th March: Fresh gunfire in Ukhrul district has triggered tension in the region, with residents of Sinakeithei village reporting intermittent firing since Thursday afternoon.
According to local accounts, suspected Kuki insurgents allegedly opened fire using automatic weapons around 3:20 pm on Thursday. The attack reportedly drew retaliatory fire from Tangkhul Naga village volunteers, leading to a prolonged exchange that lasted over an hour.
The firing continued intermittently on Friday, prompting villagers to remain indoors amid fears of escalation. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
Both sides have blamed each other for initiating the violence, while the incident has heightened anxiety in areas where settlements of the two communities are located in close proximity.
Local reports suggested that armed individuals were seen moving towards residential zones, although this could not be independently verified.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Videos circulating on social media show claims from both sides alleging fortifications and defensive preparations in their respective villages, further fuelling tensions.
The development underscores the fragile security situation in Manipur, which has witnessed periodic ethnic clashes. The Kuki-Naga conflict in the 1990s had claimed over 1,000 lives, while the more recent Kuki-Meitei violence since 2023 has resulted in over 360 deaths.
