Two more Kuki-Zo women were gunned down by unidentified assailants in Manipur, marking yet another grim addition to the toll of civilians caught in the state's protracted ethnic conflict. The killings have triggered fresh outrage across the valley and hill districts, with community leaders and activists condemning the targeted violence against women.
The exact location and circumstances surrounding the shootings are still being investigated by Manipur police and central forces deployed in the region. However, early reports indicate that the two women were attacked by armed men who opened fire before fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made so far, and the identity of the perpetrators remains unclear.
The Kuki-Zo community has been one of the hardest hit groups in the conflict that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei majority community and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups. Since the violence began, thousands have been displaced, over 200 people have been killed, and there have been repeated allegations of targeted killings, sexual violence, and arson across both communities.
Women from the Kuki-Zo community have faced disproportionate vulnerability, with numerous reports of them being attacked while trying to access essential supplies or when moving between areas under conflicting control. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called the situation a humanitarian crisis and demanded immediate action to protect civilians.
Local Kuki-Zo leaders described the latest killings as yet another example of the systematic targeting of their community members. They have called for stronger security measures and urgent intervention from the state and central governments to prevent further bloodshed.
Residents in displacement camps have expressed deep fear and frustration, saying that despite the presence of security forces, they feel increasingly unsafe. Many have stated that the attacks continue unchecked and that justice for past victims remains elusive.
The Manipur government has faced mounting criticism for its handling of the crisis, with opposition parties and civil society groups demanding a comprehensive strategy to restore peace and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
