Manipur Kamjong gunfight leaves Kuki woman dead and two missing near border

Security forces in Manipur have intensified border patrols and search operations after a gunfight between armed groups in Kamjong district left a Kuki woman dead and two civilians missing on Thursday.

The incident took place at around 4 pm in dense jungle terrain between Phaikoh and Mulvailup villages, close to the international border with Myanmar. Police confirmed that armed groups exchanged fire along the corridor, drawing swift deployment from nearby security posts to secure civilian routes.

Local community groups identified the deceased as Hatneikim Haokip, who was travelling with three others to buy essential supplies when firing broke out. While her husband escaped unhurt, two Kuki-Zo civilians accompanying them remain untraced. Community organisations claimed the assailants belonged to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), though police noted that the claim could not be independently verified as investigation teams comb the area.

Heightened security along the border corridor

The clash follows a string of cross-border and inter-community security challenges that state authorities and central paramilitary formations have been working to contain along the frontier.

Five days earlier, on 10 October, two Tangkhul Naga village guards were killed at Ningchou village by suspected militants crossing from Myanmar. Two Kuki civilians, including a 42-year-old woman, also died that day during crossfire between armed assailants and security personnel attempting to restore order.

Further north in Kangpokpi district, security personnel successfully recovered the severed head of Ajinbou Ringkangmai on Thursday morning, five days after he and Dibambou Ringkangmai were killed. Autopsies were completed later that morning, clearing the way for dignified burials and bringing calm to local communities that had organised public demonstrations.

Timeline of recent incidents in Manipur

Stability measures and administrative action

State administrative bodies and central security agencies have maintained strict vigilance across designated sensitive zones to prevent regional instability from spilling into populated settlements. Regular patrols along the highway network and targeted operations against armed factions operating along the unfenced international frontier have curbed larger flare-ups.

The state government, which took office in February following President's rule and brings together representation from all major regional communities, has reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies will pursue armed perpetrators regardless of community affiliation.

Police teams and central forces continue combing operations in the jungle belt around Phaikoh to trace the two missing villagers and ensure the perimeter remains secure.