Fresh violence broke out in Taphou area of Manipur’s Senapati district on Monday, leaving a CRPF personnel injured and at least two houses reportedly set ablaze amid heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki communities.
According to officials, CRPF Sub-Inspector (General Duty) Pradeep Singh of the 36th Battalion sustained a bullet injury to his left foot during an exchange of fire between armed groups at around 10 am. He was evacuated to Senapati Hospital for treatment.
The firing reportedly followed the burning of two houses belonging to members of different communities by unidentified miscreants. Police sources said one house belonged to a Kuki resident, while the other belonged to a member of the Poumai Naga community.
The circumstances behind the arson and subsequent gunfire were not immediately clear, and there was no official confirmation on the identity of those responsible.
Additional security forces were deployed in Taphou and surrounding areas to prevent further escalation. Several residents reportedly began leaving the area amid fears of renewed violence.
Locals also alleged that armed Kuki groups were attacking a Liangmai Naga village. The allegation could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, protesters reportedly blocked National Highway-2 near Senapati headquarters. The highway connects Imphal with Dimapur. Visuals from the area showed burning tyres and debris placed on the road.
The Taphou Kuki Village Authority condemned the burning of the Kuki-owned house, describing the incident as “highly deplorable, inhuman and unacceptable”. It urged the district administration and police to identify those responsible and take legal action.
The village authority also gave those allegedly involved in the arson 24 hours to come forward and resolve the matter under Kuki customary law.
The latest violence comes amid heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki communities following a series of violent incidents in the region.
On May 13, twin ambushes by unidentified armed men in Noney and Kangpokpi districts killed four people, including three church leaders and a Naga man. The attacks were followed by retaliatory violence, during which 48 civilians from the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities were reportedly held captive by opposing groups.
The hostages were released nearly a month later. Subsequently, six Naga men were found dead near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the case. Four people, including a couple, were arrested in July in two separate operations in connection with the probe.
Security forces remain deployed in and around Taphou as authorities work to restore normalcy and prevent further violence.
