A 49-year-old man who had been injured in a gun attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Senapati district died at a private hospital in the early hours of Sunday, officials said, taking the death toll from the incident to three.
Attack and casualties
According to district officials, the two civilians were shot dead and two others were injured when suspected militants opened fire on them on Saturday, September 26. The injured, identified as Adani Manio (33) and Ashiho Sani (49), were admitted to a private hospital in Senapati. Mr Sani succumbed to his injuries at about 3 a.m. on Sunday and his body was moved to Senapati district hospital for post-mortem, officials said.
The two civilians who were killed in the attack were reported to be residents of Naga communities in the area. Authorities have not released the names of the two deceased pending formal identification and notification of kin.
Context: a sharp rise in recent attacks
The Senapati shooting is part of a series of violent incidents across Manipur in recent weeks. The string of attacks has included:
- Four Tangkhul Naga civilians shot dead on the night of September 24 at Pilong village in Kamjong district near the international border, allegedly by suspected militants from across the Myanmar frontier.
- At least 13 people killed in separate gun attacks in September in the districts of Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Noney and Kamjong.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the killings and warned of a deteriorating law and order situation. In a post on X, he said the fatalities this year exceed 60 and called for accountability from the authorities.
"The killing of Rocky from Chaowainamai village and Kumar from Laii Shirafii village is a matter of grave concern. Armed militants entered their homes and shot them dead while they were asleep. These were civilians who deserved to live without fear," Mr Singh wrote on X.
Security response and public concerns
Senior police and district administration officials have been monitoring the security situation, particularly in border and hill districts where mobility is constrained and communities are vulnerable to cross-border incursions. The shootings occurred only hours before the United Naga Council announced it would suspend a four-month-long economic blockade on state highways, a move that highlighted the tense environment in the State.
Officials have said investigations are under way to determine the identities and motives of those responsible for the Senapati attack. Local security officials have increased patrols and are coordinating with paramilitary and state police units to strengthen presence in affected areas, sources in the administration reported.
Human impact and wider implications
Residents in remote hill districts have expressed fear and frustration as lethal incidents continue to affect civilians, including those asleep inside their homes. Community leaders have called for prompt action to prevent further loss of life and to restore normal movement along key highways and supply routes.
The recent pattern of shootings, some of which are alleged to involve attackers crossing from Myanmar, raises questions about border management and the need for greater coordination between security agencies. Authorities face pressure to both protect vulnerable communities and to identify and neutralise militant elements operating in the State.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of latest attack | Senapati district, Manipur |
| Immediate casualties | Two killed, two injured (one injured later died in hospital) |
| Recent related incidents (September) | At least 13 killed across Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Noney and Kamjong; 4 killed at Pilong village, Kamjong |
Investigations remain active and officials have not yet released details about arrests or identified groups responsible. Post-mortem and forensic procedures are being followed for the latest deceased, and the district administration said it will provide updates as enquiries progress.
Local-level leaders and civil society actors have urged calm while calling for swift, transparent action from law enforcement to bring perpetrators to account and prevent further civilian casualties.
