Police in India's northeastern state of Manipur reported that three people were killed in gunfire between rival ethnic groups in Mullam village of Ukhrul district late Friday night. Authorities said security forces have been reinforced in the area to prevent further escalation, and operations remain ongoing.

Manipur has faced nearly three years of conflict between the majority Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki community. The violence, rooted in disputes over land and government jobs, has claimed more than 250 lives so far. Human rights activists have accused local political leaders of aggravating the divisions for political gain.

Although the situation had calmed somewhat, renewed clashes earlier this month left four people dead, including two children, after a Kuki group attack triggered a retaliatory assault by Meitei members on a paramilitary camp.