IMPHAL, AUG 14 (NPN): Tensions escalated in Manipur on Friday after a fatal gun attack claimed the lives of two Naga villagers and left two others injured in Kangpokpi district.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at Langka village under Sapermeina police station when armed miscreants, suspected to be militants, opened fire on villagers heading to their paddy fields.
The deceased were identified as Wiriliangbou Chawang (34), who died on the spot, and Kawidinang Abonmai (55), who succumbed to injuries en route to hospital. The injured—Maliangjinang Abonmai (52) and Namthiulungbou Prinmai (50)—were rushed to RIMS Hospital, Imphal, where one is reported to be in critical condition.
Reports said around 40–50 armed men, suspected to be Kuki militants equipped with sophisticated weapons, carried out the attack.
Later in the day, another Naga village, Makui, also reportedly came under attack, though details were unavailable at the time of filing this report.
The fresh assault comes barely two days after Tokpa village in Kangpokpi was attacked and nine houses torched on August 12, and earlier, houses were set ablaze at Kailenjang village in Senapati district on August 10.
In response, the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M) declared an indefinite emergency shutdown across all Liangmai-inhabited areas. Condemning the attack, the council alleged cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) were responsible. It directed closure of shops, offices, institutions and non-essential activities, while exempting medical, fire and emergency services.
The LNC-M appealed for peaceful observance of the shutdown and urged authorities to ensure civilian safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.