Elderly Kuki Woman Fatally Shot in Manipur Crossfire Between Security Forces and Armed Men

An elderly woman from the Kuki-Zo community was killed during a crossfire between security forces and armed individuals in Manipur's Churachandpur district, according to police reports. The incident occurred as security forces conducted a search operation following an attack on a Meitei farmer in Bishnupur district. Shots were fired from nearby hills, injuring the farmer, prompting the operation.

Security personnel advanced into Langchingmanbi, Heichanglok, and adjacent areas to locate the attackers. During this operation, they encountered gunfire from unidentified armed men and responded in kind. Amidst this exchange, Hoikholhing, the wife of Langchingmanbi's village chief, was found dead with a bullet wound. Her body was taken to Churachandpur District Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Community Reactions and Protests

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) condemned the incident, describing it as brutal and indicative of ongoing ethnic violence against their community. In a statement, KWOHR alleged that Meitei militants were responsible for Hoikholhing's death. They argued that her killing was part of a systematic campaign targeting the Kuki people.

In response to the killing, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) announced an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur as a form of mourning and protest. Their press release emphasized that the shutdown would serve as both a mark of respect for the deceased and a protest against the violence.

Security Measures and Public Appeals

Authorities have registered a case and are actively investigating the incident. Combined security forces continue their search operations in the region to apprehend those responsible. Officials have urged the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading unverified information.

Earlier in the day, Ningthoujam Biren, a farmer working in Phubala's fields, was shot at by armed men allegedly firing from surrounding hills. Biren sustained gunshot wounds and was hospitalized. Farmers present with him claimed that five rounds were fired from nearby hills.

Background of Ethnic Clashes

The vast farmlands of Phubala lie on the outskirts of Imphal valley, bordered by Churachandpur district's hills on one side. Following this incident, locals called for a shutdown in Phubala, obstructing security forces' movement in certain district areas.

Since May 2023, over 250 people have died due to ethnic clashes between Meiteis residing in the valley and Kukis inhabiting surrounding hills. These ongoing tensions have led to significant unrest and violence in the region.

With inputs from PTI