Two Kuki-Zo women were killed in a suspected militant attack in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on Tuesday, September 15. The incident took place amid renewed violence in the state.
The attack occurred around 3 pm in the Leisangphai area, according to police and local reports. Armed attackers reportedly opened fire on the women.
Police and security personnel later recovered the bodies from the area. Authorities have started an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.
The latest killings came only two days after four Kuki-Zo civilians died in separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts.
Victims Identified as Chonga Sitlhou and Kimneo Singson
The victims were identified by Kuki-Zo organisations as Phalneichong, also known as Chonga Sitlhou, and Kimneo Singson.
Reports identified Sitlhou as a 70-year-old woman. Singson was 28 years old and had recently completed a nursing course.
According to reports, Sitlhou had gone to collect firewood when the attackers opened fire. Singson was also present at the same location when the shooting occurred.
The killing of Singson has caused particular concern among local residents. She had reportedly returned home after completing her nursing course. She had planned to help her parents with farming activities.
The incident has added to concerns over the safety of civilians living in remote areas of Tamenglong.
Police Probe Underway
Police have not yet officially established the identity of the attackers. Officials have described the assailants as unidentified armed individuals.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation. Police have recovered the bodies and are examining the incident.
Some reports have linked the attack to armed Naga groups. Kuki-Zo organisations have specifically accused the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah and the Zeliangrong United Front faction led by Kamson.
Those allegations have not been independently established by authorities. The police investigation will determine the circumstances and identify those responsible.
The distinction remains important as tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups have increased in parts of Manipur.
Attack Follows Four Recent Civilian Deaths
The latest incident followed two attacks on September 13 that killed four Kuki-Zo civilians.
Two people died in an attack in Tollen village in Tamenglong district. Another attack took place at Longpi village in neighbouring Noney district.
The September 13 incidents also involved two women. In Longpi, Julie Gangte and Thangroel Gangte were reportedly killed while transporting essential supplies. Another woman travelling with them was reported missing.
The incidents have increased anxiety among Kuki-Zo communities in the affected areas.
Community organisations have called for stronger security measures and investigations into the killings.
Kuki-Zo Groups Condemn Latest Attack
The Kuki-Zo Council condemned the latest killings. The organisation accused armed Naga groups of targeting Kuki-Zo civilians.
The council also called on the Centre and the Manipur government to take action against those responsible.
It has directed Kuki-Zo civil society organisations not to bury people killed by alleged Naga armed groups until further instructions. The council said the bodies should remain in available cold-storage facilities.
The directive represents a community protest over what the organisation describes as repeated attacks on civilians.
The allegations and demands come as authorities continue efforts to prevent further violence in the region.
Naga-Kuki Tensions Add to Manipur’s Security Concerns
Manipur has faced prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023. The conflict has largely involved the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities.
The state has also witnessed separate tensions involving Naga and Kuki-Zo groups. Violence between these groups has increased in some hill districts in recent months.
According to Scroll, the latest killings brought the reported toll in the Kuki-Naga conflict to at least 40 since violence between the groups escalated in February 2026. The broader Manipur conflict has caused hundreds of deaths and displaced tens of thousands of people.
The latest attacks therefore add another layer to an already complex security situation.
Security Forces Face Fresh Challenges
The renewed attacks have raised questions about civilian security in remote settlements.
Many villages in the affected areas remain difficult to access. Security forces must also operate across large forested and hilly areas.
The recent attacks have highlighted the risks faced by civilians who travel between villages or work in isolated farming areas.
Authorities will need to establish the facts behind each incident. They will also need to identify those responsible and maintain security in vulnerable settlements.
The police investigation into the September 15 attack remains underway.
Calls for Peace Grow Amid Fresh Violence
The latest killings have come at a sensitive time for Manipur. The state has seen repeated efforts to reduce tensions and restore normal life.
The deaths of civilians, however, continue to create fear among communities living in conflict-affected areas.
The Manipur government has previously stressed the need to prevent violence from derailing efforts towards peace and normalcy. Following the September 13 killings, state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said violence would not be allowed to derail the state’s path towards peace.
The latest attack has renewed calls for effective security arrangements and impartial investigations.
For families in the affected villages, the immediate priority remains safety. The authorities now face the task of preventing further attacks while establishing accountability for the recent killings.
Investigation Remains Key
The killing of the two Kuki-Zo women has added to the recent cycle of violence in Manipur. The incident followed four civilian deaths just two days earlier.
Police have yet to establish who carried out the September 15 attack. Kuki-Zo organisations have made allegations against specific armed groups, but those claims remain subject to investigation.
The coming days will be important for establishing the facts. A credible investigation could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the killings.
At the same time, continued security measures will remain essential to protect civilians in vulnerable areas and prevent further escalation.