Four people, including a couple, were killed and a six-year-old child was injured in two separate attacks by armed assailants in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on Sunday, officials said. The incidents have raised fresh concerns over security in the region, with police investigating the attacks and no group officially claiming responsibility.
The first incident took place at around 5:30 am in Tollen village. According to police, 46-year-old Lhingzangai Singsit was shot dead at the spot, while her husband, Seineh Singsit, sustained bullet injuries. Their six-year-old child was also injured in the attack.
The injured victims were taken towards Silchar Medical College in neighbouring Assam for treatment. However, Seineh succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital, officials said. The child is undergoing treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh expressed deep anguish over the killings and condemned the attack on civilians. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, he described such violence as unacceptable and said there was no place for such acts in society.
Police have begun an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity or affiliation of the attackers.
A second attack was reported around 3 pm in Longpi village, also in Tamenglong district. Police said a man and a woman were shot dead in the incident.
Longpi is located around 30 kilometres west of the Nungba police station. Police said difficult road conditions prevented personnel from immediately reaching the village. Officials said a spot inquiry would be conducted on Monday morning.
A Western Village Volunteer group claimed that the two victims were Jilie Singson and Reol Gangte. The group alleged that cadres belonging to factions associated with NSCN-IM and ZUF-K were behind the attack. However, the allegation has not been independently verified, and police have not officially confirmed the identities or affiliations of the attackers.
The village authority of Kaimai condemned the violence, calling it a deliberate attempt to create suspicion, division and tension between communities. It demanded a thorough and impartial investigation and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
The attacks occurred on September 13, a date observed as “Black Day” by the Kuki community to remember victims of ethnic violence during the Kuki-Naga conflict in Manipur in the 1990s.
The latest killings come against the backdrop of continuing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. Security remains a major concern in several areas, particularly in locations where communities remain vulnerable to armed attacks.
Authorities are expected to intensify investigations and security measures following the incidents. The government has reiterated that attacks on civilians will not be tolerated and that those responsible must be brought before the law.
As the probe continues, officials are working to determine the sequence of events in both villages and establish the identities of the perpetrators. The killings have once again highlighted the need for sustained security efforts and dialogue to prevent further violence in the state.
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