Slain Kuki man's body recovered
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 18 2026: The body of Seikhohao Haokip (35) who was killed in a gun battle at Chassad village, Kamjong district on October 17 afternoon, was recovered this morning.

While Seikhohao Haokip was killed in the battle, five others sustained injuries.

A father of three young children, Haokip remained where he fell, in a pool of blood, as his family and fellow villagers were unable to retrieve his body through the night because of the volatile situation and continuous firing, according to local accounts.

The grief-stricken family, joined by mourning villagers, received his body at his residence, where his wife, children and fellow residents mourned his death.

Seikhohao Haokip was allegedly killed after being struck by multiple bullets fired from the direction of Chassad police station on Saturday, when villagers and local leaders were reportedly engaged in repairing electricity lines to restore power to the village.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen strongly condemned the deadly attack on Chassad village in Kamjong district, describing the violence as an "intolerable crime" and calling for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice.

Kipgen said she had instructed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance on the ground, protect civilian lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice without delay.

Appealing for restraint amid the volatile situation, she urged community leaders, civil society organisations and citizens to reject rumours and refrain from actions that could further aggravate tensions.

On the other hand, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has accused the Governments of India and Manipur of failing to protect civilians in Kamjong district, alleging that four Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed in just over a week amid escalating violence, attacks on villages and the reported destruction of more than 30 houses in Chassad.

Questioning the alleged free movement and operations of NSCN-IM cadres in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Chandel districts, the KZC sought clarification from the Centre over the applicability of the ceasefire arrangement, which it said was understood to cover only Nagaland.

The council urged the Government of India to clarify the situation and take immediate measures to prevent further attacks.

It also alleged that an economic embargo was restricting Kuki-Zo civilians in Kamjong from purchasing essential commodities, and demanded unrestricted access to basic supplies.

Calling for urgent intervention, the KZC demanded the immediate deployment of Central security forces between Chassad Police Station and the village to ensure civilian safety and prevent further violence.

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