Paolen Khongsai, a 45‑year‑old Kuki, was walking with Laldenga toward a bamboo‑shoot forest when gunfire erupted; Khongsai was hit in the chest and died at the scene, while Laldenga escaped injury.
Authorities opened a case and will conduct a post‑mortem.
The incident occurred in Kangpokpi district, close to the forested outskirts of Leimakhong.
Two days earlier, three Meitei firewood collectors were killed in Imphal East district, sparking outrage across the state. In response, the Native People Committee called a 48‑hour statewide bandh and residents carried the bodies to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence.
The Kuki Youth Organisation (KYO) condemned the killing and blamed the NSCN‑IM and Zeliangrong United Front‑Kamson for the attack. KYO also raised concerns over the alleged withdrawal of security forces from Leimakhong and demanded a timely investigation into both murders.
KYO referenced the unsolved murder of a 71‑year‑old man in the district, urging authorities to sort out the killings before the next election.
The case will be investigated by district police, with the post‑mortem report expected by Friday.