Tue Dec 16 18:55:45 UTC 2025: Summary:
On December 16, 2025, a barrage of gunshots was reported in the Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai areas of the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district in Manipur, India. These areas border the Kuki-Zo majority Churachandpur district, raising tensions in the already conflict-ridden state. Authorities are investigating potential casualties. The incident follows the return of 389 internally displaced persons to their homes in Bishnupur after 31 months in relief camps. Phougakchao Ikhai was one of the first areas affected by the ethnic violence that began in May 2023, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. The government had planned to resettle displaced people in phases by December 2025.
News Article:
Fresh Gunfire Erupts in Manipur, Heightening Tensions
Guwahati, India – December 17, 2025 – A renewed wave of tension has gripped the conflict-scarred state of Manipur after gunshots rang out late Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in areas bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.
The gunfire was concentrated in the Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai areas of the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district, which shares a border with Churachandpur, a region with a Kuki-Zo majority.
“We are currently working to ascertain if there were any casualties resulting from the incident,” stated a police officer in Bishnupur.
The unrest comes a day after 389 internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to their homes in Bishnupur, having spent over two and a half years in relief camps. This return follows an announcement from the State government that displaced individuals would be resettled in three phases by the end of December.
Phougakchao Ikhai was among the first areas to experience the devastating ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, leaving over 260 people dead and displacing an estimated 62,000. Most of the displaced individuals from both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities remain in relief camps throughout various districts.
The recent gunfire underscores the fragility of the situation in Manipur and raises concerns about the long-term stability of the region.
First Piper 