Correspondent
IMPHAL, AUG 27: At least five Naga civilians, including a village authority chairman, were killed Thursday in an ambush along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, escalating tensions in the hill region days after violence between Naga and Kuki communities.
Reports said suspected Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons opened fire on a vehicle carrying at least six people from Makui to Senapati around 8:30am. The attack occurred between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages.
Four people reportedly died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The death toll rose to five later in the day after the body of Chawangkining village authority chairman Wisobou Charenamai, who had gone missing following the attack, was recovered near the ambush site.
The other victims were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai of T Khullen, Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai of Makui village, and Japou MK of Thonglang Akutpa.
Tadsongbou was the founder and principal of Right Path School, while Mariakdibou and Anil were executive members of the Makui Youth Club. Japou was a student leader.
One person, identified as Gaikamang Ringkangmai, was injured in the attack. The ambush came three days after violence erupted between members of the Naga and Kuki communities in adjoining Senapati district on August 24. Several houses were set ablaze, while a CRPF personnel was injured in an exchange of fire between the two groups following the arson incidents.
The killings also occurred a day after a state government delegation led by deputy chief minister Losii Dikho met representatives of the United Naga Council in Senapati to discuss the volatile situation and measures to restore peace and stability.
The latest attack triggered strong reactions from Naga civil society organisations. The Naga People’s Organisation called for the immediate closure of shops and business establishments in Senapati district headquarters in protest against the killing of the civilians.
In a separate development, an exchange of fire was reported near Naibet along the IT Road about an hour after the deadly ambush.
Reports said armed persons allegedly opened fire near agricultural fields where Kuki farmers were staying in temporary shelters. Kuki village volunteers reportedly returned fire. No casualties were reported from the incident.