News Desk: Manipur is on high alert amid escalating tensions between Kuki and Naga communities after the killing of a 52-year-old Naga man and the disappearance of his severed head. Security forces are searching the forests of Kangpokpi district as a 48-hour ultimatum issued by Naga groups approaches its deadline of 7 pm on Wednesday.
The victim, Ajinpou Ringkangmai, was allegedly shot dead by armed Kuki militants in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district. According to reports, his head was severed and taken away after the killing. The incident has triggered widespread anger among Naga organisations, which have demanded that the remains be recovered and returned to the family for a dignified burial.
The Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) has warned the state government of serious consequences if the missing head is not found within the stipulated time. In a letter to the chief minister on Monday, the organisation said it would not allow a post-mortem examination until the remains were recovered.
Ajinpou's body is currently at the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.
Security Forces Intensify Search
Security forces and Manipur Police have been conducting search operations in the forests around Kangpokpi. Officials have reportedly used drones and other equipment to locate the missing remains.
A senior government official said the search was being monitored at the highest level. Authorities have warned that the situation could deteriorate further if the head is not recovered and tensions continue to rise.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 9, when Ajinpou and several other villagers went to Makui 2 village to protect abandoned homes. Residents of Makui 2, 3 and 4 had earlier fled to neighbouring Senapati district after their houses were allegedly burned during the ongoing ethnic violence.
According to relatives, armed men opened fire on the villagers. Four Naga men were reportedly killed, while two others sustained injuries. The victims' relatives alleged that dozens of armed militants were involved in the attack. These claims are part of the accounts provided by local residents and require independent investigation.
A video allegedly showing Ajinpou's severed head in a forest subsequently circulated on messaging platforms, intensifying anger within the Naga community.
Fresh Violence Deepens Community Divide
The latest incident comes amid renewed clashes between Kuki and Naga groups. At least nine people have reportedly been killed in the violence over the preceding five days.
The conflict has added another layer to Manipur's prolonged ethnic crisis, which began with large-scale clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. More than 60,000 people have been displaced by the violence, according to the report.
The political situation is also tense. Naga legislators have previously raised allegations against Kuki leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and her husband, over alleged links to militant groups. Kipgen has denied the accusations.
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the government and certain militant groups has also become a point of contention. The agreement has not been renewed since September 5, 2026, according to the report.
Centre Approves Additional Security Deployment
Amid the deteriorating situation, the Union government has approved the deployment of at least 30 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces in Manipur. Another contingent of COBRA commandos may also be sent to the state.
The additional deployment will supplement the central forces already stationed in Manipur as authorities attempt to prevent further violence.
With the ultimatum deadline approaching, the immediate priority remains recovering the missing remains and preventing retaliatory attacks. Officials in Imphal and New Delhi are closely monitoring developments as security operations continue across Kangpokpi.
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