Manipur: Kuki leader among four shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Churachandpur

Tue Jul 01 11:30:45 IST 2025

Four persons, including a leader of the Kuki National Army and a 72-year-old woman, were killed on Monday by unidentified gunmen in Manipur’s Churachandpur, said the police.

The firing occurred near Mongjang village in the district around 1 pm as the victims were travelling in a car.

Among those who died was Thenkhothang or Thahpi, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Kuki National Army, which is a faction of the Kuki National Organisation. The Kuki National Organisation is one of two umbrella groups that signed a Suspension of Operations agreement with the Centre in 2008 – the other being the United People’s Front.

Under the agreement, the security forces as well as the militant groups are prohibited from launching operations. The militant groups must abide by the laws of the land and are also confined to designated camps identified by the Central government.

The other victims of Monday’s shooting were identified as 72-year-old Phalhing, who was a resident of Koite village, 35-year-old Seikhogin, who was from Teiseng, and 35-year-old Lengouhao of Chengkon.

Over 12 empty shells were recovered from the spot, PTI reported.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the Hyundai Creta car was ambushed leading to the death of those inside the vehicle,” the Manipur Police stated on Tuesday. “An FIR has been registered in connection with the case at...