The Tollen attack has triggered a fresh protest in Manipur, with the children of the Kuki-Zo couple killed in the firing joining demonstrators and demanding justice for their parents. The protest followed the deaths of Lhingjangai Singsit and her husband, Seineh Singsit, in Tamenglong district.
The family was attacked at their home in Tollen Kuki village early on September 13. Their children were also caught in the violence, with their youngest son suffering gunshot injuries. The incident has renewed concerns over civilian safety in remote areas of Manipur.
Tollen attack leaves family devastated
The Tollen attack took place at around 4 am in the Tousem area of Tamenglong district, near National Highway 37. According to police and local reports, armed assailants opened fire at the family’s residence.
Lhingjangai Singsit was killed in the shooting. Her husband, Seineh Singsit, was seriously injured and later succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital in Silchar, Assam. Their youngest son was also wounded.
The couple’s three children were reportedly unaccounted for immediately after the incident but were later traced. The attack left the children without both parents and drew widespread condemnation from community organisations and political leaders.
Children join protest for justice
Following the Tollen attack, the couple’s children joined a protest seeking justice for their parents. Their presence added a deeply personal dimension to demands for accountability and protection for civilians.
Protesters called for those responsible for the killings to be identified and brought before the law. They also demanded an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firing.
The participation of the children has highlighted the human cost of continuing violence in the region. Their demand for justice comes as authorities face pressure to establish who carried out the attack and why the family was targeted.
Investigation continues into Tollen attack
The Tollen attack remains under investigation, and authorities have not officially identified the perpetrators. No armed group had claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.
Some local residents and community organisations have alleged the involvement of armed Naga groups. However, these allegations have not been independently established by authorities and should not be treated as confirmed facts.
Security forces reached the area after the firing and provided assistance to the injured. Additional security measures were also reported in and around the affected area.
The Kaimai Village Authority condemned the incident and called for a thorough and impartial investigation. It also appealed to communities to avoid rumours and actions that could further increase tensions.
Attack coincided with Kuki Black Day
The Tollen attack occurred on September 13, a date observed by the Kuki community as Sahnit Ni, or Kuki Black Day. The observance remembers victims of violence during the Kuki-Naga conflict of the 1990s.
The timing added sensitivity to an already tense situation. The latest violence has raised concerns that unresolved tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga communities could deepen if further attacks occur.
At the same time, community leaders have urged restraint. They have stressed the need for dialogue, peaceful coexistence and a credible investigation rather than retaliatory violence.
Government promises action
The government has condemned the Tollen attack and promised that those responsible will face legal action. Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said violence against innocent civilians was unacceptable and directed authorities to ascertain the facts and identify those responsible.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the killings and described attacks on civilians as unacceptable. The statements came after four Kuki-Zo civilians were killed in separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts on September 13.
The latest protest has therefore placed renewed focus on civilian security and accountability in Manipur. For the children who lost both parents, however, the immediate demand remains clear: they want justice for their family.
Authorities now face the task of completing a credible investigation, identifying the perpetrators and preventing further violence. Meanwhile, appeals for calm remain important as communities seek to avoid another cycle of retaliation.
Gatta Kusthi 2 Could Have Been So Much Better, Yet It Still Works