On Saturday, an ex-serviceman of the Indian Army's Naga regiment, identified as SW Chinaoshang from Tashar village in Ukhrul district, Manipur, was killed in a suspected ambush by Kuki militants near Litan village. The attack occurred around 2:30 PM when four vehicles traveling from Imphal to Ukhrul were fired upon. In addition to the deceased, several others were injured, including Yaruingam Vashum, who later succumbed to his injuries. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has denied any involvement of Kuki militants in the incident. This violence comes amid ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has seen significant conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, resulting in at least 260 fatalities and the displacement of approximately 60,000 individuals. Security forces, including the Manipur Rifles and Border Security Forces, have been deployed to the area to maintain order.