In the early hours of June 15, 2026, a violent confrontation erupted near Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi District, Manipur, resulting in the injury of three individuals. The clash, which lasted approximately four hours, involved suspected Kuki and Naga armed groups.
**Details of the Incident**
The altercation commenced around 6:00 AM, with gunfire exchanged between the two groups. The victims have been identified as:
– **Genlenmang Vaiphei**, 18, from Mission Veng, under Leimakhong Police Station.
– **Paogovlal Chongloi**, 18, from P Moulding, also under Leimakhong Police Station.
– **Lunliandan Vaiphei**, 20, from Kanul Tangnom, under Yairipok Police Station.
Following the intervention of security forces, the situation was brought under control. The injured individuals were initially admitted to the Army Hospital in Leimakhong and, under heavy security, were later transferred to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
**Allegations and Reactions**
In a related development, the L. Munlui village, a Kuki village situated between Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages, condemned what it described as an attack by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) at around 6:00 AM on the same day. The village authority reported that three village volunteers sustained serious injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical care. They alleged that the attack originated from the CRPF bunker near Konsakhul. The villagers have called for the withdrawal of the CRPF station from Konsakhul village.
On the other hand, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has expressed strong opposition to the admittance of the three injured Kuki individuals to the RIMS hospital. The Naga student body questioned why the Kuki militants are being guarded and brought by the Indian security forces into the hospital.
**Contextual Background**
The Leilon Vaiphei area has been a focal point of tension between Kuki and Naga communities in recent times. On May 31, 2026, a resident of Konsakhul Naga Village sustained serious injuries in an alleged ambush, with villagers accusing armed cadres of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P) and individuals from neighboring Leilon Vaiphei village of carrying out the attack.
Additionally, the Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has documented a pattern of violence and intimidation in the Leimakhong–Leilon Vaiphei corridor, alleging that armed Kuki militant groups and local aggressors have been responsible for a series of incidents targeting Naga villages and residents since the outbreak of the Meitei-Kuki conflict on May 3, 2023.
**Community and Government Response**
The recent incidents have heightened concerns among local communities and organizations. The Naga People’s Union Imphal (NPUI) has submitted a seven-point ultimatum to the Chief Minister of Manipur, demanding action regarding the abduction and holding of Naga civilians as hostages by suspected Kuki armed groups.
Furthermore, the United Naga Council (UNC) has sought the intervention of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah for the immediate release of the six Naga hostages allegedly held by a Kuki armed group and Leilon village, and to de-escalate the grave and rapidly worsening situation in the state.
**Conclusion**
The situation near Leilon Vaiphei village remains tense, with ongoing disputes between Kuki and Naga armed groups. The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for dialogue, conflict resolution, and the restoration of peace in the region. Authorities and community leaders are called upon to work collaboratively to address the underlying issues and prevent further violence.
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