Fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Kamjong district along the Myanmar border in the early hours of May 7, 2026, after suspected militants allegedly linked to the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) carried out coordinated drone-assisted attacks on Namlee Market and Choro village.
The attack took place around 2 AM. Several houses were set on fire, forcing residents to flee into nearby jungles as smoke engulfed the area before dawn. No confirmed casualties have been reported so far. However, the incident has once again heightened tensions in the already disturbed border region.
The latest violence comes nearly three years after ethnic clashes first erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. What began as conflict between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo tribes in the hill districts has since developed into a prolonged crisis involving armed groups, ethnic militias, and alleged cross-border elements from Myanmar.
The roots of the conflict lie in long-standing tensions over land rights, political representation, identity, and resources between the valley and hill communities. The situation escalated in 2023 after demands by the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status triggered protests among Kuki groups, who feared it would affect their access to hill lands and reserved opportunities.
Violence first broke out following rallies held on May 3, 2023, near Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. Widespread arson, killings, and displacement followed across the state. Official figures state that more than 250 people have been killed and around 60,000 displaced since the violence began. Thousands of homes and religious structures were also damaged.
During the conflict, both sides reportedly raided armouries and armed groups became increasingly active. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh faced allegations of bias and criticism over his government’s handling of the crisis. He resigned in February 2025, after which President’s Rule was imposed before a new BJP-led government headed by Yumnam Khemchand Singh took charge in early 2026.
Although periods of calm were reported during 2024 and 2025, sporadic clashes, bomb attacks, ambushes, and communal tensions continued across the state. In April 2026, a bomb blast in Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district killed two Meitei children aged between four and six years and injured their mother. The incident triggered protests and further unrest.
Kamjong district, located in Manipur’s eastern hill region bordering Myanmar, has witnessed repeated tensions involving Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. Reports have alleged attacks and retaliatory violence involving villages such as Lanchah, Namlee, Choro, and Wanglee. The presence of Myanmar-based militant groups and refugee movements amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict has added further complexity to the situation.
Security concerns have also increased following reports of thermal drone sightings in Kamjong villages in April 2026. The alleged use of drones in the May 7 attack is being seen as a major escalation in tactics.
As of May 7, 2026, many parts of Manipur remain divided along ethnic lines, with thousands still living in relief camps. Security forces, including the Army, Assam Rifles, and CRPF, continue operations in sensitive areas, carrying out arms recovery drives and bunker demolitions. However, officials continue to face challenges due to the difficult terrain, porous international border, and deep mistrust between communities.
Political talks and peace efforts have so far produced limited results. Issues such as demands for separate administration, territorial concerns, refugee influx, missing persons, and economic disruption remain unresolved.
The fresh Kamjong attack has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur and raised concerns over the growing use of advanced technology in the conflict.
