Two Kuki women were shot dead in Leisangphai village in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on Tuesday, while several farmhouses were set on fire, according to reports.
The deceased were identified as Kimjalhai Singsong, a nursing graduate, and Falnaichong Sitlhu. Both were residents of Leisangphai village.
The incident comes days after four Kuki-Zo people were killed in separate incidents in Tolen and Tamenglong and Longpi village in Noney district on September 13. A couple was among those killed.
Kuki-Zo Council protests killings
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has directed civil society organisations in Kuki-majority districts not to bury the bodies of Kuki people allegedly killed by Naga armed groups.
The council said the bodies would instead be kept in nearby cold storage facilities as a mark of protest against the violence. It has urged the Centre and the Manipur government to ensure the safety of civilians and take action against those accused in the killings.
306 killed since ethnic violence began
According to figures presented by the Manipur government in the state Legislative Assembly last week, at least 306 people had been killed and 49 remained missing by August since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, 2023.
The latest clashes come amid renewed tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities. At least 40 people from both sides have been killed in fresh clashes that began in February this year.
