A 49-year-old man who was injured in a gun attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Senapati district on Saturday succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital on Sunday, officials confirmed. The death toll in the attack has risen to three, with two civilians killed at the scene and one dying in hospital. The incident occurred in Kalenjang village, where suspected militants attacked the residence of village chief Lhinjahoi Hanshing, according to police reports.

The attack took place shortly after the United Naga Council (UNC) held a tripartite meeting in Assam to discuss the law and order situation in Manipur following a Naga-Kuki clash in February 2026. The UNC, which represents Naga groups, has been involved in ongoing tensions with Kuki communities in Manipur. The attack in Kalenjang is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have escalated tensions in the region. Officials have not yet identified the perpetrators, though police suspect Kuki militants.

Deputy Chief Minister Lossi Dikho, a Naga legislator and cabinet minister in the BJP government, condemned the attack, calling it a 'grave assault' on the right to life. He stated that the killing of civilians is 'deeply shocking' and 'profoundly distressing,' and urged all parties to work towards restoring peace. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also expressed concern, noting that more than 60 people have been killed in similar attacks this year. He criticized the lack of accountability and called for measures to restore law and order.

The attack occurred just hours before the UNC announced its decision to suspend its four-month-old economic blockade along national highways in the state. The blockade, which has disrupted movement and trade, was part of the UNC's efforts to pressure the government over alleged human rights violations. The timing of the attack has raised questions about its potential impact on the ongoing political and security dynamics in Manipur.

The injured, Adani Manio (33) and Ashiho Sani (49), were taken to a private hospital in Senapati district for treatment. Sani died at the hospital around 3 a.m. on Sunday, and his body was later moved to the district hospital for a post-mortem. Manio remains in hospital, though his condition is not yet known. The police have not yet released details on the motive behind the attack or the identities of those responsible.

No official response has been provided by the groups suspected of involvement, including Kuki militants or the UNC. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing violence and political tensions shaping the security landscape in Manipur. The broader conflict between Naga and Kuki communities, which has roots in historical grievances and territorial disputes, continues to fuel instability in the region. The exact number of casualties and the full context of the attack remain under investigation.