Tension returned to Manipur’s Churachandpur district after a violent incident left four people dead, including three Kuki militants and a civilian bystander. The incident took place during the day and led to panic in the area. According to officials, the three men who died were members of Kuki militant groups that are currently under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government. This agreement was meant to keep peace in the region while talks continue. However, this fresh clash has brought new worries about the fragile situation in the state.
Witnesses say the shooting happened suddenly and caused fear among the locals. The militants were reportedly in plain clothes and may have been armed. Security forces in the area acted quickly, but the situation turned violent. Gunfire broke out, leading to the deaths of the three militants. A local man who was nearby and not involved in the situation was also hit and later died from his injuries. This has added to the anger and sadness in the community, with many asking how such violence could take place in a region that is supposed to be under a peace deal.
Officials have not yet released all the details, but they have confirmed that an investigation is underway. The identities of the militants have been shared with the media, and their links to SoO groups have also been verified. The Suspension of Operations is a special arrangement under which certain militant groups agree to pause fighting while talks with the government continue. In return, they are allowed to stay in camps and follow a code of conduct. When members of such groups are found involved in violence or seen moving with weapons, it raises questions about the strength and future of these peace efforts.
Local people in Churachandpur are deeply affected by the violence. Many are scared that this could lead to more clashes between different communities. Manipur has already seen months of ethnic tension between the Kuki and Meitei groups, and peace is still fragile. Incidents like this make it harder for normal life to return. Shops closed early, and people stayed indoors after the news spread. Community leaders have called for calm, asking people not to take part in any activity that could lead to further unrest. At the same time, they are asking for a full inquiry and clear answers from the authorities.
This tragic event in Churachandpur shows how delicate the peace process still is in Manipur. Even with agreements like SoO in place, trust can easily break when violence returns. The government now faces the tough task of reviewing the actions of SoO-linked groups while also keeping the larger peace process alive. For the families who lost loved ones—both militant and civilian—this is a time of sorrow and unanswered questions. People across the state are hoping that steps will be taken to prevent more such incidents and bring lasting peace to the region.