Imphal: Fresh violence erupted between armed groups across multiple districts in Manipur, leaving three people dead and triggering prohibitory orders, official sources confirmed on Saturday.

In Kamjong district's Naga-majority region, violence broke out in the Kuki-dominated village of Chassad on Friday night. A 42-year-old mother of five suffered a fatal gunshot wound near her neck and succumbed to her injuries within minutes.

Her death sparked an intense, overnight gunfight between Kuki and Naga armed factions that extended into Saturday morning. During the ensuing clashes, a 22-year-old man was killed, and at least 10 houses were set ablaze by armed assailants.

To contain escalating tension, district authorities invoked Section 162 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), enforcing prohibitory orders within a 400-metre radius of the Chassad police gate junction. The orders strictly ban gatherings of five or more individuals.

In a separate attack in neighboring Ukhrul district, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai was ambushed near Chepu Yaolen. Suspected militants opened fire on his vehicle, killing him inside the four-wheeler he was driving.

Simultaneously, heavy gun battles were reported between armed groups in the Makui Ashang and Tapon areas of Kangpokpi district.

The latest casualties add to a deadly surge in ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Naga communities since February, which has claimed over 40 lives and resulted in widespread arson. The unrest remains largely concentrated across the Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, and Noney districts, along with parts of Senapati district. (PTI)