Pre-dawn attack on Kuki village in Manipur’s Ukhrul; houses torched, injuries reported

Tension escalated in Ukhrul district of Manipur after Mulam Kuki village came under a pre-dawn armed attack on April 24, with reports of indiscriminate firing, houses set ablaze, and multiple casualties.

According to residents and a statement issued by the Mulam Village Authority, the attack began with a blank shot heard around 1:00 am near the village. The situation intensified at approximately 5:30 am, when heavily armed assailants allegedly launched a full-scale assault, opening fire and torching several houses.

The attackers are suspected to be armed militants from the Tangkhul community, though there has been no official confirmation from authorities.

At least two individuals sustained serious injuries and were rescued, while reports of additional casualties remain unverified. One fatality has also been reported, but officials are yet to confirm the death.

“The scale and nature of the attack indicate a deliberate escalation targeting civilians,” the village authority stated, calling the incident a “grave and unacceptable development” amid already volatile conditions in the region.

The latest violence follows a series of incidents in recent days that had heightened tensions in the area. On April 19, armed men reportedly entered farmland in Mulam village and fired blank shots at farmers, triggering panic. Later the same day, village youths who approached the group for clarification were allegedly fired upon, though no injuries were reported.

Another incident on April 21 involved firing directed at farmers, further deepening fear among residents and disrupting agricultural activities.

Locals said the repeated incidents have created an atmosphere of sustained intimidation, forcing villagers to live under constant threat.
Despite the mounting tension, the community had exercised restraint and appealed for a peaceful resolution, the statement added.

The Mulam Village Authority said it had issued urgent alerts to authorities in nearby areas, including Toungou and Sirarikhong, seeking immediate intervention. However, no effective response had been reported at the time of filing this report.

Residents have demanded swift action from the administration, warning that any delay could lead to further civilian casualties.