Imphal, The ongoing violence in Manipur has claimed two more lives in an attack in the Kangpokpi district, intensifying the ethnic tensions in the region.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, the latest incident occurred between Haraothel and Kobsha villages, where a member of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and his driver were fatally shot. In response to this attack, a local tribal organization, asserting that the victims were members of the Kuki-Zo (Christian) community, has strongly condemned the incident.

The Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has denounced this “unprovoked attack” on the Kuki-Zo community and enforced an “emergency shutdown” throughout the Kangpokpi district as a mark of protest. In a subsequent meeting, the COTU emphasized its longstanding demand for a separate administrative body to represent tribal communities in Manipur.

Following the attack, authorities have increased security measures in the area, deploying additional forces and initiating a search operation to apprehend those responsible for the violence.

Manipur has been experiencing severe ethnic clashes, primarily between the Meitei (majority Hindu) and Kuki (mostly Christian) communities. This unrest has escalated due to the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status, leading to significant loss of life and displacement of thousands.

The recent killings in Kangpokpi highlight the deepening crisis in Manipur, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions to restore peace and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.