Fresh violence in Manipur’s hill districts has raised fears of further escalation in the state’s fragile ethnic situation. The killing of three senior Thadou Baptist church leaders and the disappearance of six Naga civilians after incidents on May 13, 2026, have exposed growing tensions not only between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities but also among tribal groups themselves.
As security forces continue combing operations in Kangpokpi district, accusations and counter-accusations have intensified, adding to uncertainty in the region.
The Kuki National Front (KNF) has denied any involvement in the disappearance of the six Naga civilians. In a statement, the group described a viral social media poster linking it to the incident as “AI-generated propaganda” and “malicious disinformation.”
The KNF said it “vehemently denies any involvement whatsoever” and alleged that a coordinated campaign was being carried out to damage its image and target ST. Thangboi Kipgen, Chairman of the United People’s Front (UPF). The group warned of legal action against those spreading what it called fabricated narratives and appealed for restraint to prevent further unrest. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Kuki-Zo interests and ancestral lands.
The denial came amid reports of reciprocal abductions following the May 13 ambush. Nearly 20 Naga civilians were reportedly abducted from areas near Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district. Naga organisations, including the United Naga Council (UNC), later issued ultimatums demanding their release.
Fourteen civilians were released following negotiations and security intervention. However, six people, including two pastors, remain missing as of May 18. The disappearances have triggered protests and calls for economic blockades.
Naga groups have alleged the involvement of Kuki militants, while counter-claims suggested that 14 Kuki-Zo individuals were also detained in areas of Senapati district before most were later released during exchanges. Security forces are continuing search operations in the northwest hill ranges near Leilon and Kharam Vaiphei villages.
The crisis worsened after a deadly ambush on May 13 along the Kotlen–Kotzim Inter Village Road, also known as Tiger Road, in Kangpokpi’s Kangchup Geljang sub-division.
Leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association were returning from a peace-focused United Baptist Convention in Churachandpur when they came under attack. Those killed included Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, known as a peace mediator and former Manipur Baptist Convention figure, Rev. Kaigoulen, Pastor Paogoulen and reportedly a driver. Five others were injured in the attack.
The victims had reportedly been working for reconciliation among tribal Christian communities amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) strongly condemned the attack and called it “terrorism.” The organisation accused the Manipur government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh of “criminal negligence, communal bias, and administrative failure.”
The TSA praised Assam Rifles personnel for their response but alleged that ethnic divisions within the state police delayed action. The organisation also claimed that survivors were pressured and that Thadou people in Imphal faced discriminatory treatment, including forced hospital transfers.
The TSA further alleged the existence of a broader “Kuki supremacist” campaign aimed at erasing Thadou identity. It referred to issues surrounding a separate Thadou Bible and cited the 2025 killing of a Thadou peace activist. The organisation demanded an immediate National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, removal of the Director General of Police, protection for survivors and an end to alleged intimidation intended to shift blame onto Naga groups.
The situation has also highlighted divisions within Kuki and Thadou organisations. The apex Thadou Inpi General Headquarters has distanced itself from some TSA-linked groups and questioned their representativeness.
Several Kuki organisations have denied involvement in the ambush, while some groups alleged the role of Naga organisations, including factions linked to the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF). No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.
The latest incidents come amid Manipur’s ongoing ethnic crisis that began in May 2023. The violence has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced tens of thousands of people, largely during clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
At the same time, tensions between Naga and Kuki groups have continued in districts such as Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Senapati over issues linked to land, resources and competing claims of indigeneity.
In February 2026, a drunken altercation in Litan in Ukhrul district reportedly escalated into killings, abductions and the imposition of prohibitory orders.
Security forces have continued operations in the state and arrested a PREPAK (Pro) cadre in Imphal East on May 17. However, concerns remain over the worsening situation in the hills.
Demands for impartial investigations, community dialogue and action to address identity-related tensions are growing louder. Calls for an NIA investigation into the latest violence have also intensified.
