Kuki woman dies in Manipur crossfire amidst conflict
A security operation in Manipur's Churachandpur district turned tragic when Hoikholhing Haokip, wife of a village chief, was killed in crossfire.
The operation started after a Meitei farmer, Ningthoujam Biren Singh, was shot while working in his field—he's now stable in hospital.
Army accepts responsibility, will pay family ₹11 lakh
Haokip's body was found about 500 meters from her village. The army unit involved has accepted responsibility and will pay her family ₹11 lakh as per local customs.
Police said the shootout happened near disputed farmland outside the buffer zone between Kuki-Zo and Meitei areas.
In protest, Kuki groups called for a peaceful shutdown and demanded stricter enforcement of buffer zones to prevent more violence.
Tensions remain high, with extra security now deployed amid ongoing ethnic conflicts over land.