A routine security inspection in the Horei hill region, under the jurisdiction of Ringui village, turned into a violent gunfight on Tuesday morning when suspected Kuki militants four opened indiscriminate gunfire, injuring four members of the Naga Village Guard (NVG).
According to sources, the incident occurred at around 10:30 am as the NVG patrol was conducting a survey of the forested area following reports of suspected illegal activities. The patrol was reportedly dispatched to investigate potential incursions into village territory by armed groups.
The four injured personnel were immediately rushed to the Ukhrul District Hospital for medical treatment. Details regarding their identities and current medical status remain unconfirmed at this time.
Allegations of Narco-Terrorism
In a statement issued following the Tuesday’s incident, the NVG Central Command blamed “Kuki narco-terrorists” for the attack, alleging that the assailants are operating in collusion with cadres currently under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact. It further alleged that these armed groups have been encroaching on ancestral Naga land in Ringui, and Sirarakhong villages and adjoining Mullam to engage in illegal poppy cultivation.
The NVG labeled the area a “key transit point for narco-terrorism in Manipur” and expressed frustration with the state government, noting that illegal drug-related activities persist in the hills despite ongoing “war-on-drugs” campaigns.
“The NVG Central Command is committed to checking and controlling illegal poppy and any narco-terror activities on Naga ancestral land,” the statement said. The group urged the state and central governments to adopt more concrete and strategic measures to eradicate the illicit trade, while reaffirming its resolve to defend their territory.
Unprovoked Aggressions
The Ringui Village Protection Committee (RVPC) issued a condemnation of the attack, describing it as an “unprovoked” act of aggression by militants armed with sophisticated weaponry.
According to the committee, the ensuing gunfight lasted until late afternoon, causing widespread panic among the residents of Ringui.
“This is not the first time Kuki terrorists have launched attacks in the same location,” the RVPC stated. The committee highlighted the ongoing plight of villagers, noting, “Innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, are being compelled to live in constant fear and uncertainty.”
Call to Action
The committee warned that such repeated hostilities pose a grave threat to the fragile peace in Manipur and could potentially escalate into a wider Naga-Kuki conflict. They called upon the au thorities to intervene immediately to restore order and ensure the safety of the local population in the region.
