Imphal, Sep 14 (IANS): Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Monday said no act of violence would be allowed to derail the state’s path towards peace and normalcy, following the killing of four people, including two women, in separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts.
Strongly condemning the killings, Singh expressed deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives and assured that those responsible would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured, the Home Minister said violence against innocent civilians was unacceptable. “I have directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary measures to ascertain the facts, identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour,”
Singh said in a statement. “Let there be no doubt: those responsible for this violence will be pursued in accordance with law and held accountable. At this critical juncture, no act of violence will be allowed to derail Manipur’s path towards peace and normalcy,” he said.
“The safety of every citizen remains paramount. The law will prevail, justice will be pursued, and peace will be protected,” Singh added.
Two persons, including a woman, were killed in an attack at Tollen Kuki village under Kaimai Police Station in Tamenglong district, while two others, including a woman, were shot dead at Longpi village under Nungba Police Station in Noney district, police officials said.
Security forces launched a massive combing operation immediately after the attacks to track down the perpetrators, the officials said.
The four victims were members of the Kuki tribal community, they added.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings on Sunday and expressed deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives. “Such cowardly acts of violence against innocent civilians are unacceptable and have no place in our society,” the Chief Minister said in a statement issued by his office.
Several organisations, besides MLAs belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities and leaders, including the Kaimai Village Authority, condemned the Tollen attack, describing it as a “deliberate and malicious attempt to create disharmony and division among communities”.
Meanwhile, three to four houses belonging to members of the Rongmei Naga community were reportedly burnt at Khedaghar under Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam district late on Sunday evening.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 12 km south of Jiribam Police Station. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
Sources said the Rongmei Naga families had reportedly vacated their houses several weeks ago amid apprehensions of possible retaliation following an escalation in tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities.
Following the incident, security personnel moved to the affected area to assess the situation and strengthen security arrangements. Security forces have been placed on high alert, with troops and Quick Action Teams kept ready for immediate deployment.
Security personnel have also been directed to intensify interaction with villagers and key persons in the area to maintain vigilance and prevent any further escalation.
The exact cause of the fire and the identity of those responsible are yet to be officially established.
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, strongly condemned the killing of four Kuki-Zo civilians, including two women, in the separate attacks at L. Tollen and Longpi villages.
KZC spokesperson and Secretary, Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, alleged that the attacks highlighted the continued violence against Kuki-Zo civilians and blamed Naga armed groups operating in Manipur.
“The double standards of Naga leaders in Manipur and the brutality of Naga armed groups can no longer be ignored. While Naga leaders loudly demand justice for six Naga deaths, they remain silent over the 22 Kuki-Zo civilians, including women and children, reportedly killed by Naga armed groups since the beginning of 2026,” the statement said.
Vualzong also criticised what he described as the apparent unwillingness of Naga political and civil society leaders to pursue meaningful reconciliation and dialogue to end the Naga-Kuki-Zo violence.
The KZC expressed concern over reports alleging the involvement of NSCN-IM cadres operating through or alongside ZUF-K and Naga Village Guards in the attacks. “The Government of India must act decisively. NSCN-IM must not be allowed to operate with impunity in Manipur, particularly in the absence of a ceasefire agreement covering the state. Continued armed-group activity threatens civilians and risks pushing Manipur towards another full-scale conflict,” the statement said.
