Four Nagas Killed, One Missing in Ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi
One person missing, another injured as fresh violence sparks tension in the district
Guwahati: In a fresh incident of violence at least four people belonging to the Liangmai Naga community were killed and one person went missing after armed militants ambushed a vehicle in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday.
According to local sources and officials, the deceased include Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School; T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both executive members of the Makui Youth Club; and Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa. Gaikamang Ringkangmai sustained injuries and was evacuated for treatment, while Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority, remains missing.
Preliminary reports indicated that gunmen fired on at least six people travelling from Makui towards Senapati, a Naga-majority district. All four victims died on the spot.
The bodies are being taken to Senapati district hospital. Following the incident, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) enforced the closure of shops and business establishments in Senapati town in protest.
Locals have alleged involvement of certain Kuki militant groups, though these claims could not be independently verified. Additional security forces have been rushed to the area amid renewed tension between Naga and Kuki communities. Kangpokpi has seen periodic violence since ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the incident and ordered a high-level probe into the incident.
He chaired a high-level security meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal and decided to take stringent action against any individual, irrespective of community, found in possession of illegal arms and weapons.