Woman killed; Sinakeithei again comes under heavy firing
Heavy exchanges of firing rock Senapati, Ukhrul villages
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Imphal/Ukhrul/Kpi, November 12 2026: One woman was killed and three others sustained injuries in two separate firing incidents involving Kuki militants and Naga village guards/villagers in Senapati and Ukhrul districts today.

In the first incident, an exchange of fire reportedly took place between Kuki Taphou and Kailenjang villages under Senapati district at around 11 am and continued till the afternoon.

A woman identified as Kimneineng Chongloi (42), wife of Thanggou Chongloi, was killed in the firing, while two others, Sehngam alias David Chongloi (34), son of (L) Thangmang Chongloi, and Lamkhochon Chongloi (46), son of Semthang Chongloi, sustained injuries.

Woman killed; Sinakeithei again comes under heavy firing

The injured persons were evacuated from the spot and taken to Mission Hospital, Kangpokpi, for medical treatment.

Police said that additional security forces including police, CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles have been deployed in the area and are conducting search operations to prevent escalation of violence.

Our Kangpokpi correspondent, however, reported that the woman farmer was killed after armed militants allegedly opened fire on farmers harvesting paddy under security protection at Taphou Kuki village, triggering a 48-hour total shutdown across the district and an ultimatum for the withdrawal of all Central and State security forces operating under the command of the Senapati Superintendent of Police (SP) .

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, announced the shutdown from midnight on November 12, giving the Governments 48 hours to withdraw the security forces deployed across Kangpokpi district under the command of SP Senapati.

According to villagers, the Senapati SP had arranged a security cover comprising three sections of CRPF personnel from 112, 142 and 152 Battalions, one section of BSF personnel from 149 Battalion, and a team of Senapati Police to facilitate safe paddy harvesting.

Following the security arrangement, villagers went to harvest paddy in their fields along the Taphou Kuki-Kailenjang road, near Oinam Taphou Liangmei village.

However, at around 10.30 am, armed assailants allegedly opened fire on them with sophisticated weapons from the Oiname Liangmei Taphou area, despite the presence of security personnel.

The two injured men were initially taken to the District Hospital in Kangpokpi, where they received first aid before being referred to a higher medical facility for further treatment.

The woman's body was subsequently recovered following the deployment of additional security forces.

It was first brought to the village chief's residence before being transported to Kangpokpi.

In another incident, suspected armed Kuki militants reportedly fired several rounds at farmers from Lungter hill while they were harvesting paddy in nearby fields at Sinakeithel village under Ukhrul district.

During the incident, one villager identified as Newton Mahung (49), son of (L) Mayonmi Mahung of Sinakethei village sustained injuries and was evacuated for medical treatment.

Our Ukhrul correspondent reported that the firing reportedly started at around 3.30 pm from the hillside of the Lungter range.

According to sources, Mahung was working in his paddy field at Ihang area, harvesting crops, when the firing took place.

The farmland is located around 300 metres from Sinakethei village.

Locals informed that Mahung sustained bullet injuries to his right forearm, with the bullets reportedly passing through the forearm.

He was initially administered first aid at the village and later rushed to Ukhrul District Hospital for further treatment.

The firing was reportedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants from the Lungter hill range.

It may be mentioned that State police and BSF personnel are stationed at Sinakeithel village.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has condemned the murder of Kimneineng Chongloi.

She, in a press note, stated that Kimneineng was harvesting paddy near Taphou Kuki Village when the incident took place.

Saying that two Kuki-Zo men also sustained injuries in the same incident, the Deputy Chief Minister added that the heinous act of violence is an affront to human dignity.

She added that no grievances or differences can ever justify taking the life of a helpless and innocent mother.

Extending her condolences to the bereaved family, she called for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

Nemcha urged all communities to extend compassion and support to the affected family, while praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.