Three Killed in Fresh Gunfire Clash in Manipur’s Ukhrul; Security Forces Intensify Operations
Apr 25, 2026
Security forces have intensified operations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district following a deadly gunfire exchange on Friday morning in Mullam village, under Litan police station, which left three people dead and several others injured. The fresh outbreak of violence has raised fears of further escalation in the hill district, which has become a flashpoint in the wider ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The violence erupted around 5:30 am when armed groups from the Kuki and Naga (Tangkhul) communities engaged in a heavy exchange of fire in Mullam. The clashes resulted in the deaths of three individuals: Paominlun Haolai (22), Letlal Sitlhou (41), and Horshokmi Jamang (29). Preliminary reports indicate that some houses on the outskirts of the village were also set on fire during or after the incident, heightening local tensions.
In response, both central security forces—including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Army—and state police have launched intensified combing operations in Mullam and surrounding areas. Troops have reinforced patrolling, set up additional watch‑posts, and begun dismantling suspected illegal bunkers linked to armed cadres. Authorities have also increased deployment along key routes to prevent retaliatory attacks and curb further movement of armed groups.
Ukhrul has again become a flashpoint in the ongoing Manipur crisis, with the latest clash rooted in long‑standing disputes over land rights, political representation, and ethnic identity between Meitei, Kuki‑Zo, and Naga communities. Earlier in February 2026, parts of Litan and Ukhrul were placed under curfew and internet suspension after arson and gunfire, signalling that Friday’s violence is part of a recurring pattern rather than an isolated event. Officials are now working to restore normalcy, but the situation remains tense as security forces seek to arrest those involved and prevent further bloodshed.
