Four others are injured and houses are reportedly set ablaze in Chassad, prompting calls for central forces amid rising Naga-Kuki-Zo hostilities since March
Umanand Jaiswal Published 18.10.26, 07:46 AM
Seikhohao Haokip Sourced by the Telegraph
A Kuki-Zo man was killed and four others were injured in an attack by suspected militants on Chassad village in Naga-majority Kamjong district of Manipur on Saturday afternoon, triggering demands for the immediate deployment of central forces in vulnerable Kuki-Zo pockets in the state.
By late evening, there were reports of houses being set on fire in Chassad village amid continuing firing.
Saturday’s incident is the latest in a wave of attacks and counter-attacks targeting the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities by armed men in the state’s hill districts since March. Both sides attribute the killings to militant groups representing the other side.
Growing hostilities between the Nagas and the Kuki-Zos have left at least 60 dead since March 13, including 31 Kukis, reflecting the fragile security situation in the
hill districts.
The administration’s efforts to restore normality have not yielded results yet, even though the conflict between the Kukis and the Meiteis that erupted on May 3, 2023, has ebbed since April.
Though there has been no official statement on the attack and its fallout, Kuki activists identified the deceased as 35-year-old Seikhohao Haokip of Chassad village. A report said he was a popular YouTuber.
Kuki-Zo organisations such as the Committee On Tribal Unity (CoTU) accused the armed NSCN (IM) cadres of carrying out the attack. The NSCN (IM) has been involved in peace talks with the Centre since 1997.
According to the Kangpokpi-based CoTU, the injured, who were admitted to a nearby Army Hospital, were Thangjahao Haokip (Chassad village chief), Seipao Haokip (Phungtha village chief), Thanggin Thouthang and Khailun Haokip.
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