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Seven injured in fresh Manipur gunfight as ethnic tension escalates in Ukhrul
A fresh gunfight in Ringui village, Ukhrul district, Manipur left seven people injured—six Tangkhul Naga and one Kuki. The clash, occurring around 5 am on May 4, 2026, follows a pattern of ongoing ethnic violence in the district with earlier deadly incidents and a murder reported in the days prior.
Why It Matters
The incident reflects sustained ethnic tensions between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in Ukhrul, contributing to broader concerns about security and communal harmony in Manipur.
Timeline
6 Events
May 4, 2026 fresh Ringui gunfight injures seven
May 4, 2026
At least seven people were injured in a fresh gunfight between armed groups of the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in Ringui village around 5 am. Six were Tangkhul Naga and one was Kuki. By around 3 pm, officials said the gunfight was continuing and they were not able to reach the spot; reports indicated use of sophisticated assault rifles, though the responsible group was not yet confirmed. The six Tangkhul Naga injured were undergoing treatment at Ukhrul district hospital.
May 3, 2026 murder of Puspa Devi in Charhajare, Kangpokpi
May 3, 2026
A 63-year-old woman, Puspa Devi, a resident of Toribari in West Bengal currently living in Charhajare, Kangpokpi, was found murdered on the night of May 3. Unidentified assailants entered her house around 10 pm, hacked her to death and looted gold, cash and other valuables. The body was sent to RIMS, Imphal, for autopsy.
April 28, 2026 Ringui gunfight injures three Tangkhul Naga individuals
April 28, 2026
Three Tangkhul Naga individuals were injured in a similar gunfight in Ringui village.
April 24, 2026 twin gunfights kill three armed individuals
April 24, 2026
Three armed individuals — two Kuki and one Tangkhul Naga — were killed in twin gunfights in Sinakeithei village.
April 18, 2026 ambush kills two Tangkhul Naga civilians
April 18, 2026
Two Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an ambush en route from Imphal to Ukhrul, allegedly by suspected Kuki militants.
February 2026 tensions between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities persist
February 2026
Tensions in Ukhrul district persisted since February following clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki youths, which escalated into widespread violence, with over 50 houses, including government structures, set ablaze.