Desk Correspondent , Imphal — Three people were killed and at least five others injured during fresh outbreaks of violence between rival Naga and Kuki-Zo armed groups in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday morning. The casualties included one Tangkhul Naga and two Kuki-Zo men, following separate gunfights and ambushes in the region. Local reports also indicate that at least 17 houses were set on fire, leading to further displacement of villagers, including women and children.

The violence began early Friday near Sinakeithei village when a 29-year-old Tangkhul Naga village guard was allegedly ambushed and killed by Kuki militants. Conversely, Kuki organizations reported that Mullam village came under heavy attack by Naga militants, resulting in the deaths of two Kuki-Zo village volunteers who were reportedly defending the settlement. While security forces recovered the bodies near Mullam, the situation remained tense as both sides traded accusations regarding the initiation of the conflict.

Adding to the regional instability, a faction of the NSCN claimed to have "eliminated" five cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) in the neighboring Kamjong district, though official confirmation remains pending. These developments come amid a broader climate of unrest in Manipur, with rights groups expressing concern over the escalating violence. Security forces have stepped up patrols in the affected areas to prevent further retaliatory strikes between the two communities.