Manipur violence: Naga-Kuki clashes in Ukhrul leave 3 dead; both sides blame each other:The deceased include one Tangkhul Naga and two from the Kuki-Zo community.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Three people were killed and at least five others injured in two separate firing incidents between armed groups from the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur's Ukhrul district early Friday. The deceased include a Tangkhul Naga and two Kuki-Zo members. Both communities are blaming each other for initiating the attacks.

What happened in Ukhrul?

Near Sinakeithei village: According to the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), 29-year-old Naga village guard Horshokmi Jamang was ambushed and killed by armed Kuki militants. Jamang was on patrol near Sinakeithei village. Four other Naga volunteers were also seriously injured in the incident.

Near Mullam village: Security forces recovered the bodies of two Kuki-Zo youths. The deceased were identified as Paominlun Haolai (19 years old) and Letlal Sitlho (43 years old).

Kuki organizations claimed that Tangkhul Naga militants attacked Mullam and Shongphal villages around 5:30 a.m., killing two volunteers. The Bungi-Ihan Defence Committee of Kangpokpi district described it as an attack on Kuki villages.

The Kuki INP Manipur alleged that several houses were burned, many people, including women and children, were injured, and several families were displaced in the attack. The Naga Village Guard Central Command denied the Kuki claims.

NSCN (Aleng group) claims

Meanwhile, the NSCN (Aleng group) claimed to have killed five cadres of Myanmar's Kuki National Army-Burma in Kamjong district. The group said the five cadres were planning to cross into India and attack local villages. The action was in retaliation for the killing of two Naga men near TM Kasam village on April 18 and the recent firing.

There has been no official confirmation of the NSCN claim, but a video showing five hostages, blindfolded, is circulating on social media. The Kuki side has described the video as fake and voice-dubbed.

Ukhrul district is predominantly Tangkhul Naga-dominated, but also has villages of the Kuki-Zo community. Tensions and violence between the two communities have been escalating since February 2026. This latest clash has further escalated tensions in the area. Security forces have deployed additional forces to monitor the situation.