SINAKETHEI, Nov 11 | EKHON: A Naga farmer was reportedly injured in an attack by suspected Kuki militants while harvesting paddy in his field at Lungchang Chihui, along the Irang River, on Thursday afternoon.
According to local sources, the incident took place at around 3 pm at a location approximately 300 metres from the Sinakeithei village settlement in Ukhrul district, Manipur. The farmer sustained injuries during the reported attack. Further details regarding the nature of his injuries and his present condition were not immediately available.
The reported attack has once again raised serious concerns over the safety and security of farmers in Sinakeithei, who continue to face threats and insecurity while carrying out their agricultural activities.
The latest incident comes amid a series of reported attacks and armed incidents in and around Sinakeithei village since the outbreak of tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in February 2026.
On February 23, 2026, a village elder was abducted at gunpoint by armed Kuki militants while on his way to his farm, while the village’s reserve land in the Lungter hill range was allegedly set on fire. On March 7, armed firing was reportedly directed towards villagers working in their agricultural fields, forcing them to flee for safety.
Similarly, on March 22, a woman and her son were reportedly trapped in their field near the Irang River after suspected Kuki armed militants opened fire on villagers collecting agricultural produce. The mother and son remained stranded for several hours before being rescued by security personnel.
The village has also witnessed repeated incidents of gunfire and armed confrontations by suspected armed Kuki militants including an attack in which a Naga Village Guard was killed near Sinakeithei on April 24, 2026, according to reports.
Against this backdrop, the latest reported assault on a farmer harvesting paddy has further heightened apprehensions among villagers, particularly over the safety of those dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.
Residents have repeatedly expressed concern over the recurring threats to civilian life and the disruption of normal agricultural activities. The latest incident emphasises the urgent need for effective security measures to protect farmers and ensure that villagers can access their fields without fear.
