3 including 2 Kuki SoO cadres, 1 NVG killed in gunfight near Sinakeithei
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, April 24 2026: At least two Kuki militants and one Tangkhul Naga Village Guard (NVG) died in a gunfight early this morning while four Tangkhul NVGs sustained injuries near Sinakeithei village, Mullam and Songphel Kuki village under Litan police station in Ukhrul.

The two deceased Kuki individuals have been identified as Paominlun Haolai (22) of Haijang Village, Singhat in Churachandpur and Letlal Sitlhou (41) of K Khonom Village, Kangpokpi.

The deceased NVG has been identified as Horshokmi Jamang (29), son of Lungshim Jamang of Chatric Khullen village under Kamjong district.

The four wounded are Ramshang Kamodang (32) of Nambisha village, Horrei Khokyar (26) of Kalhang village, Shonshok Mahung (36) of Hungpung village and Ramnganing Mahon (34) of Ngainga.

According to a reliable source, the gunfight reportedly took place when Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact and armed with sophisticated weapons attacked the Naga village volunteers/ NVG while they were on patrolling duty between Sinakeithei and Sirarakhong village early this morning.

In the attack, Horshokmi Jamang was hit by two bullets on the waist, leading to his death on the spot.

This was followed by a heavy exchange of gunfire between the Kuki SoO cadres and Tangkhul NVGs.

As the NVGs fired toward Mullam and Songphel Kuki village in retaliation, some unknown miscreants set a few houses at Mullam on fire around the same time.

The gunfight, which started from early morning, continued in the four villages until afternoon today before Central Armed Forces arrived to bring the situation under control.

As the Border Security Force personnel headed towards Mullam village, they came across the dead bodies of two Kuki militants wearing combat fatigues.

According to sources, the four injured NVGs were rushed to Ukhrul District Hospital for medical treatment.

However, Ramshang Kamodang who sustained bullet injury on the right side of his face and Shonshok Mahung who was shot through his thigh, were airlifted to Imphal Airport and are undergoing treatment at RIMS.

NPF MLA from Chingai Assembly Constituency Khashim Vashum paid a visit to the hospital to assess the condition of the injured Naga village volunteers.

On the other hand, sources have said the situation in the area continues to be very tense as gunfight might further escalate during the night.

In view of this, security measures have been tightened in the villages with the deployment of additional security forces and reinforcement teams.

Sources have also Said that there might be more casualties and injuries on the side of Kuki militants.

At the time of filing this news item, there were reports of gunfire at Mongkot Chepu under Litan police station.

Tension remains high across all villages in the Litan area including Ukhrul town.

Significantly Sinakeithei village has been subjected to intense firing in the last many days after tension between the Kukis and the Nagas erupted at Litan and spread to the neighbouring villages.

Trouble broke out at Litan on February 7 and after a brief lull, it returned with renewed vigour on March 11 .

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