Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Monday, 14 September 2026, vowed that those responsible for the killing of four civilians — including two women — in separate attacks across Tamenglong and Noney districts would be held accountable under the law. The minister's statement followed a sharp escalation in inter-community violence that has put security forces on high alert across the state.

The Attacks: What Happened

Two persons, including a woman, were shot dead at Tollen Kuki village under Kaimai Police Station in Tamenglong district. In a separate but near-simultaneous attack, two more people — again including a woman — were killed at Longpi village under Nungba Police Station in Noney district. All four victims were members of the Kuki tribal community, according to police officials.

Security forces launched a large-scale combing operation immediately after both attacks to track down the perpetrators. Troops and Quick Action Teams have been placed on standby for rapid deployment, and security personnel have been directed to intensify engagement with local communities to prevent further escalation.

What the Government Said

'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,' Home Minister Singh said in an official statement. He added: '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.'

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the killings, calling them 'cowardly acts of violence against innocent civilians' that have 'no place in our society.' Several organisations, as well as legislators from the Kuki and Naga communities, echoed that condemnation. The Kaimai Village Authority described the Tollen attack as a 'deliberate and malicious attempt to create disharmony and division among communities.'

Houses Burnt in Jiribam: A Parallel Flashpoint

Adding to the tension, 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. The incident occurred approximately 12 km south of the police station. No injuries or casualties were reported.

According to sources, the affected families had reportedly vacated their homes several weeks earlier amid fears of retaliation following a rise in Kuki-Naga tensions. The exact cause of the fire and the identity of those responsible remain officially unestablished. Security forces moved into the area to assess the situation and reinforce local arrangements.

Kuki-Zo Council Blames Naga Armed Groups, Calls on Centre to Act

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, strongly condemned the attacks and alleged that Naga armed groups operating in Manipur were responsible. KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, who also serves as Secretary for Information and Publicity, alleged: '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 KZC also expressed concern over reports alleging the involvement of NSCN-IM cadres operating 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,' the council's statement said, warning that continued armed-group activity risks 'pushing Manipur towards another full-scale conflict.'

Broader Context and What Comes Next

The twin attacks mark one of the deadliest single-day episodes in the latest phase of Kuki-Naga tensions, which has already, according to the KZC, claimed at least 22 Kuki-Zo civilian lives in 2026 alone. Manipur has been gripped by ethno-communal conflict since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, but violence involving Naga armed groups has added a new and volatile dimension to an already fragile security environment.

With security forces on high alert and political leaders across community lines calling for accountability, the focus now shifts to whether the investigation can produce verifiable results — and whether dialogue between Kuki and Naga civil society can be revived before the situation deteriorates further.