DIMAPUR, AUG 28 (NPN): Various organisations have strongly condemned the killing of Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on August 27.
NPF: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has condemned the alleged ambush and killing of five Naga civilians by suspected Kuki militants in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on August 27.
According to the NPF, the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga village along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road. It said all five victims, belonging to the Liangmai Naga community, were unarmed civilians.
The NPF recalled the reported abduction and subsequent killing of six Nagas on May 13, 2026, stating that justice was still awaited in that case.
Condemning the incident as “barbaric and cowardly”, the NPF said repeated attacks on innocent civilians raised serious questions over lapses and failure of law-enforcement agencies to ensure public safety along the vital road.
The party demanded safety and security for all Nagas, irrespective of where they reside, and urged the Manipur and Central governments to strengthen security measures, particularly along vulnerable stretches inhabited by Nagas.
It also demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible and that they be brought to justice without delay.
The NPF conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace for the deceased.
NSCN (I-M): The Zeilad, Asalu, Makuilongdi and CAA, NC-Hills regions of Zeliangrong Region, NSCN (I-M) have strongly condemned what they described as repeated attacks on innocent Naga civilians, warning that they would not remain “mute spectators” and could initiate retaliatory measures if the situation demanded.
In a joint communiqué, the four regional bodies condemned the August 27 attack at Makui Ashang-Thanamba Liangmei Naga Village along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road, in which five Naga civilians were reportedly killed. The groups alleged that the attack was carried out by KNF (P) and ZRA under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, Home Secretary, KNF/UPF.
The deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmei, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; and Wisoubou Charenamai, chairman of Chawangkining V/A. Gaikamang Ringkanmai was reported injured.
They also recalled several incidents in recent months, where six civilians abducted on May 13 had their mutilated bodies recovered on June 19. The deceased were identified as Pastor Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Kenpibou Chawang, Phengrongwibou Thiumei, Phenrilingbou Chawang, Dilip Thiumei and Kaliwangbou Abonmai.
It further stated that Wilson Thanga of Dolang village was killed on May 13 at Zoujangtak, Noney district, while two others were seriously injured.
They further said that the “Kuki narco-terrorists” fired at farmers in the fields at Goitang, Khoupum, on May 26. It also said Chunjanglung Panmei of Ponringlong, Noney district, was brutally killed on June 8 while he was on his way to repair a village water pipe.
The groups further alleged that a Kuki narco-terrorist attack took place at Lanka Village in Kangpokpi district on June 14. Wirilangbou Chawang and Kawindinang Abonmai were killed, while Namthiulungbou Prinmai sustained injuries to the groin and Maliangjinang Abonmai sustained injuries to the chest and arm.
The regional bodies reiterated their collective affirmation to protect their people, land and resources, stating that they would not tolerate what they termed “unruly, inhuman activities” in Nagalim.
They said they would not remain silent spectators and warned that retaliatory measures could be initiated “at any point of time” if the situation demanded.
GNF: Global Naga Forum (GNF) has condemned the killing of Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district, accusing the Centre and Manipur government of failing to protect Naga civilians and ensure justice in previous cases of violence.
In a statement, GNF said gunmen attacked civilians on August 27 between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga village, killing four Naga civilians, including the founder and principal of a local school. It said another person was wounded and one remained unaccounted for.
GNF described the attack as part of a continuing pattern of violence against Naga civilians, noting that the six Naga victims killed earlier were still in a hospital morgue, with their demands for justice and dignity allegedly yet to be addressed by the Centre and State government.
The forum said the repeated attacks had deepened the sense of anguish and abandonment among the Naga people. It also questioned Naga institutions and leadership, saying repeated statements, funerals and memoranda had failed to secure adequate protection for civilians travelling on vital roads.
Questioning the security arrangements in Manipur, GNF said that despite the heavy presence of security forces, Naga civilians continued to be targeted. It particularly criticised the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework involving Kuki armed groups, alleging that it had failed to prevent attacks and calling for accountability over the alleged misuse of designated camps.
GNF also criticised Kuki political leadership, saying general appeals for peace were no longer sufficient. Referring to a statement by the Thadou Inpi following the latest ambush, it said the apex body had reportedly named individuals allegedly linked to the attack and demanded their arrest.
The forum said political leaders seeking legitimacy must ensure that armed elements responsible for violence were brought to justice, adding that statements without arrests would not suffice.
While condemning the killings, the GNF said it did not support revenge or retaliatory violence, warning that it would further deepen the conflict. However, it said the Naga people could not accept continued violence and insecurity as a permanent condition.
GNF called for concrete measures to protect Naga civilians, accountability for those responsible and justice for victims of previous attacks.
NJCF: Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has strongly condemned the killing of five Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road between Makui Ashang and Thanamba villages in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, on August 27, while appealing to all communities to shun violence, retaliation and bloodshed.
In a condolence message, NJCF president Rev. Dr N. Paphino, vice president Rev. Dr Vevo Phesao and general secretary Rev. Moses Murry said the victims were travelling from Makui to Senapati when they were ambushed by suspected armed militants.
The deceased were identified as Wisobou Charenamai, chairman, Chawangkingning Village Authority; Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal, Right Path School, T-Khullen; Mariakidbou Wijunamai, executive member, Makui Youth Club; Anil Wijunamai, executive member, Makui Youth Club; and Japou MK, student leader, Thonglang Akutpa.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai, who was injured in the attack, was undergoing medical treatment, the forum said, while praying for his speedy recovery.
NJCF described the incident as a “barbaric and inhuman” act, saying continued killing and violation of human life had no place in a civilised society.
The forum expressed concern that the incident occurred a day after a State government delegation led by the deputy chief minister met representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) in Senapati to discuss measures to restore peace and stability in the region. It said the killing undermined ongoing peace efforts.
NJCF appealed to all communities to reject violence and come forward for dialogue and reconciliation, stressing that “killing will never bring a solution”.
Quoting Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” the forum urged Christians to uphold the teachings of Christ, whom it described as the Prince of Peace.
NJCF called upon the Manipur and Central governments to take immediate action to ensure justice, protect innocent civilians and restore normalcy in the affected areas.