At least two village volunteers were killed and several civilians, including women and children, were injured after suspected armed militants launched a pre-dawn attack on Kuki villages Mullam and Shongphal in Ukhrul district on Friday, according to a rights body.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) stated that the attacked occurred around 5:30 am, when armed attackers allegedly opened indiscriminate fire and set houses ablaze while residents were asleep.

Two houses were reportedly torched, and multiple villagers sustained injuries, though their condition remains unclear.

KOHUR claimed that two village volunteers on duty were killed while attempting to defend the villages. It added that locals retaliated using licensed weapons, forcing the attackers to retreat, and alleged that one assailant was neutralised.

Describing the incident as a serious escalation and a violation of human rights, the organisation demanded immediate registration of an FIR, a time-bound probe, and deployment of central forces in vulnerable areas. It also sought compensation for victims, reconstruction of damaged houses, and accountability for those involved.