The Senapati firing in Manipur has claimed a third life after a 49-year-old man injured in Saturday’s shooting died at a private hospital early Sunday. Officials said Ashiho Sani, from Shajouba village, succumbed to his injuries around 3 am.
The incident at Kalenjang village initially left two Naga civilians dead and two others injured. The latest death has increased concern over fresh violence in the hill districts, where several attacks have been reported in recent weeks.
Senapati firing death toll rises to three
The Senapati firing took place at around 3 pm on Saturday, according to officials and reports. The two men killed at the scene were identified as K. Rocky Osanah of Chowainamai Khullen and Kh. Kumar of Laii Shirafii.
Sani was taken to a private hospital after sustaining critical injuries. Despite treatment, he died early Sunday. His body was later taken to Senapati District Hospital for post-mortem examination, officials said.
The other injured civilian, 33-year-old Adani Manio of Makhel, remains under treatment. Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about his condition.
Although reports commonly place the incident in Senapati, Kalenjang is in Kangpokpi district and falls under the jurisdiction of Senapati police station. This distinction matters because early reports used both district references.
Police investigate the Kalenjang attack
The Senapati firing has triggered a police investigation into the circumstances and those responsible. Security personnel reached the area after the shooting and evacuated the injured for medical care.
Reports have alleged that suspected cadres of the Kuki Revolutionary Army were involved. However, that allegation has not been independently established, and authorities have not publicly confirmed the identities of the attackers.
A case has been registered at Senapati police station, according to local reports. The investigation is expected to examine the sequence of events, the motive and the identity of the gunmen.
The attack reportedly occurred near Taphou Naga village. The victims belonged to Naga communities, including Mao and Poumai groups. Officials and local organisations have expressed concern over the security of civilians in the area.
Senapati firing follows recent Naga killings
The Senapati firing came two days after four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed at Pilong village in neighbouring Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border. That attack also involved suspected militants, according to officials.
The two incidents have raised fresh concerns about violence affecting Naga civilians in Manipur’s hill districts. Separate gun attacks have also been reported in Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Noney and Kamjong during September.
According to reports cited by PTI, at least 13 people had been killed in separate suspected militant attacks across these districts during the month. The figures refer to reported incidents and may change as authorities verify cases.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council announced a temporary suspension of its four-month economic blockade along Manipur’s national highways after tripartite talks involving the Centre and the state government. The Kalenjang shooting occurred on the same day.
Security concerns grow after the Senapati firing
The Senapati firing has added to pressure on security agencies to prevent further attacks and protect civilians in vulnerable areas. The latest death also deepens anxiety among communities already affected by repeated violence.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killing of the two civilians and described the attack as a cowardly act of violence. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The government and security agencies now face the task of completing the investigation while maintaining security in sensitive areas. Any further escalation could increase displacement fears and deepen tensions between communities.
Families await justice as investigation continues
The death of Ashiho Sani means three civilians have now died from the Kalenjang attack, while another remains injured. The victims’ families and local communities are awaiting further action from the authorities.
For now, the investigation remains central to establishing what happened and identifying those responsible. Meanwhile, security measures in vulnerable parts of Senapati and adjoining districts will remain important as authorities work to prevent another outbreak of violence.
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