At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki tribal community were reportedly set ablaze by suspected militants in Chassad village, Kamjong district, Manipur, on the night of Saturday, 18 October 2025, forcing residents to flee into nearby forests and seek refuge in a security forces camp, according to officials and local sources. The arson followed a gun attack in the same village earlier that day in which a Kuki civilian was killed and four others were wounded.

What Happened in Chassad Village

The gun attack earlier on Saturday claimed the life of Seikhohao Haokip, a Kuki civilian, while four other villagers sustained bullet injuries, according to reports. Hours later, suspected militants returned and torched at least 15 homes, according to officials and local sources. Chassad Police Station reportedly received information about the incident on Sunday; a spot inquiry had not been conducted by the time of reporting, reportedly due to a shortage of personnel.

Both Chassad village and Kamjong district headquarters lie close to the India-Myanmar border, a sensitive zone that has seen persistent security concerns amid tensions between armed groups. The full extent of the arson damage, the precise circumstances of the attacks, and the identities of those responsible remain unverified at the time of publication.

Separate Attack at Kamjong District Headquarters

In a distinct incident at Kamjong district headquarters on the same Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians were shot and injured in what reports describe as an attack involving rival armed groups. The injured were identified as T. Chithung, S. Malung, and M. Shithung. All three were admitted to Kamjong Hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable.

Government Response and Security Deployment

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence, expressing grief over Haokip's death and concern for the injured and displaced families. Describing the burning of houses as an 'intolerable crime', Kipgen said she had directed the district administration, state police, and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilians and their property, and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.

A police official confirmed that a joint column comprising the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force (BSF), and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to restore order.

Kuki-Zo Council Demands Action

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribals, said in a statement that the security situation in Kamjong district — particularly Chassad village — had 'deteriorated alarmingly'. The organisation alleged that within just over a week, four Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed, and it accused the government of failing to protect innocent lives.

The KZC questioned why cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) were reportedly allowed to operate freely in Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Chandel districts, despite the ceasefire arrangement being understood to apply to Nagaland. 'The Government of India must clarify this situation and take immediate action to stop further attacks,' the KZC said.

The body also alleged that an economic embargo was preventing Kuki-Zo civilians in Kamjong from purchasing essential commodities. It demanded unrestricted access to essential supplies, immediate deployment of Central security forces between the police station and Chassad village, ex-gratia assistance to bereaved families, and compensation for those whose homes were destroyed. 'The Kuki-Zo people are citizens of India and are entitled to equal protection under the Constitution,' the statement read.

Broader Context

This incident is the latest in a series of ethnically charged attacks in Manipur, which has been gripped by inter-community conflict since May 2023. The proximity of Kamjong to the Myanmar border adds a cross-border dimension to the security challenge, as armed groups have historically used that corridor. How the Centre and the state government respond to the KZC's demands — and whether Central forces are reinforced in the area — will be closely watched in the days ahead.