What Caused the Fratricide Incident That Killed Five Militants in Manipur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Five militants were killed in a fratricide incident in Manipur.
- The confrontation occurred among the ranks of the Chin Kuki Mizo Army.
- The area is notably remote, complicating communication.
- A related ambush in Churachandpur resulted in four deaths.
- The UKNA has claimed responsibility for the earlier attack.
Imphal, July 22 (NationPress) In a tragic fratricide incident, at least five members of a militant organization were killed during an intense gunfight in the Noney district of Manipur on Tuesday, as reported by officials.
A senior official from Imphal indicated that the deadly clash occurred during an internal dispute within the militant group in the jungle areas of Daveijang, close to Longpi village in western Manipur.
Initial reports suggest that the gunfire erupted among the ranks of the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA), which has not entered into any Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government. The region is notably remote, with limited communication capabilities, the official added, while further details are still pending.
A police unit is currently en route to the location.
The CKMA is a relatively new militant organization, with the official suggesting that the confrontation may stem from leadership disputes.
In a related event on June 30, unidentified assailants ambushed a vehicle in Churachandpur district, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including an elderly woman.
According to law enforcement, a Hyundai Creta was attacked at Mongjang village, leading to the immediate deaths of three men inside the car. A 72-year-old woman, who happened to be nearby, was also struck by gunfire and subsequently died while being transported to the hospital.
The deceased have been identified and their remains are now at the Churachandpur hospital morgue: Phalhing (72), Thenkhothang alias Thahpi (48), Seikhogin (35), and Lengouhao (35).
The outlawed militant group United Kuki National Army (UKNA) has claimed responsibility for the ambush, which targeted members of another armed Kuki faction that had signed a SoO agreement with the government back in 2008.
Sources indicate that the three male victims were affiliated with the Kuki National Army (KNA). This incident has further escalated factional tensions among the militant groups within the Kuki community, according to sources.