Organizations flay April 18 Ukhrul ambush

Several organizations and various student unions, have strongly condemned the killing of two Naga civilians in an ambush by suspected militants at TM-Kasom village along NH-202 in Ukhrul district, Manipur, on April 18, 2026.
ASU: Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has strongly condemned the killing of two Naga civilians, Chinaoshang Shokwungnao and Yaruingam Vashum, describing the incident as a grave violation of the sanctity of human life.
In a statement ASU president Diezevisie Nakhro and general secretary Rajuselie Chücha, said the union could not accept a situation where manslaughter and fear threaten the safety of innocent people.
ASU maintained that the right to live in peace was non-negotiable and formed the foundation of any civilised society. It said, any act of violence that endangers such peace was an attack on the shared security of the Naga people and humanity as a whole.
The union said that as part of the wider Naga brotherhood, it remains committed to upholding the dignity and value of every human life, regardless of administrative or geographical boundaries. It stressed that the strength of society depends on mutual respect, protection of individual dignity, and collective responsibility.
ASU further asserted that there should be no place in society for those responsible for such acts of violence. It urged the concerned authorities to ensure justice is delivered with transparency and urgency.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the rule of law and a society free from fear, the union also expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pledged continued support for the security of the Naga people and the integrity of their homeland.
AKM: Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has strongly condemned the killing of two civilians, describing the incident as “heinous and barbaric.”
In a statement AKM president Lanulemba Longchar and general secretary Aomayang Longkumer, said the attack on unarmed civilians was a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental rights and the sanctity of life. AKM expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and said the tragedy was a loss not only to the families but to the entire Naga community.
AKM stated that the incident was a direct assault on peace, security and harmonious coexistence. It urged authorities to conduct an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
Reaffirming its stand against violence, AKM appealed to all sections of society to remain united and uphold peace.
SKK: The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) has strongly condemned the killing of two civilians, describing the incident as brutal and deeply disturbing.
In a statement SKK president Hipito Achumi and general secretary P. Samuel Chophy, said such acts strike at the core of shared humanity and peaceful coexistence. It stated that incidents of this nature bring pain, fear and division at a time when society seeks unity and progress.
The union conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with them in their grief. It said the incident was not an isolated tragedy but a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and protection of innocent lives.
SKK urged the authorities to act with urgency, fairness and integrity to bring those responsible to justice, warning that any delay would erode public trust. It also appealed for calm, unity and peace.
LSU: Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has strongly condemned the killing of two civilians, describing the incident as “heinous and barbaric”.
In a statement issued by president S. Zubenthung Ngullie and general secretary Nyanthung M. Khuvung, LSU said the attack on unarmed civilians was a grave violation of human dignity, fundamental rights and humanity. The union expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed solidarity with the bereaved families.
LSU said such acts of violence cannot be justified and only disturb peace, stability and communal harmony. It urged the authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice and hold those responsible accountable. The union also appealed for restraint, restoration of peace and unity among all communities.
GNF: Global Naga Forum (GNF) has strongly condemned the killing of two Tangkhul Naga civilians in an ambush, describing the incident as a heinous and premeditated attack on unarmed civilians.
In a statement, GNF alleged that the attack was carried out by Kuki militants and expressed concern over reported movement of Kuki cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement near Naga villages, including Sinakeithei, Thoyee, Sharkaphung and TM Kasom. It further alleged that nearby villages such as Mongkot-Chepu, Shangkhai, Zalenbung, Songphel and Mollen were being used as operational bases by armed groups.
The forum also raised apprehension over the possible misuse of the monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 provided to cadres under the SoO agreement. Referring to reports of over Rs 30 crore proposed for stipend expenditure, GNF said such developments had caused concern that the funds could be diverted for arms procurement.
GNF urged the Centre and the Manipur government to strictly enforce SoO ground rules and act firmly against violations. It said that if militant groups were found using the agreement to target civilians, the SoO arrangement, particularly with groups under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), should be reviewed.
Expressing solidarity with the Tangkhul Naga Long and the people of Ukhrul district, the forum conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and termed the incident a crime against humanity intended to spread fear and disturb peace. It also rejected attempts to portray the killings as an isolated dispute, stating that the matter reflected a wider Naga-Kuki conflict.
NSA: Meanwhile, Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) also condemned the incident, calling it barbaric and premeditated.
The association said the use of sophisticated weapons against defenceless civilians highlighted the ruthless nature of the perpetrators.
NSA expressed concern over the prevailing security situation, saying anti-social elements appeared to be operating freely, putting innocent lives at risk. It added that the killings reflected a broader pattern of insecurity and an emerging threat to the safety and dignity of the Naga people in their ancestral lands.
The association urged authorities to identify and arrest those responsible without delay, while conveying solidarity with the bereaved families and reaffirming its commitment to justice, peace and dignity.