New Delhi: Four Naga civilians were killed Thursday morning by armed assailants on the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, the police said.
A school principal were among those killed in the ambush while one each was injured and missing, they said.
The attack triggered fresh tension in Kangpokpi district, which was already seeing tension between the Nagas and the Kukis.
This week, fresh violence was reported Monday in parts of Manipur as several houses were set ablaze and a paramilitary soldier injured amid firing in areas along the boundaries of Senapati and adjoining Kangpokpi district. Meanwhile, several Naga volunteers had blocked the Imphal-Dimapur NH1 highway protesting the fresh bout of violence.
A senior police officer said that the incident took place around 8:30 am between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga, an area considered an important route for Naga communities residing along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road.
The officer said security forces are investigating the matter, and a case will soon be registered.
A member of the United Naga Council told ThePrint that at least four members of the Naga community were reported killed in the attack, while one person sustained injuries. Another person was reported missing following the incident.
The victims were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai (principal), Wisobou Charenamai, Mariakdibou and Anil Wijunamai. While Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured, Japou M.K. is missing, the UNC member added.
The United Naga Council (UNC) is the apex civic and political organisation of the Naga tribes in Manipur.
“Armed Kuki militants allegedly belonging to KNF (P), KNF and KRA under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, Home Secretary, KNF/UPF, attacked innocent Naga civilians between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga, an area that serves as a vital lifeline for Naga communities living along the IT Road,” the UNC member said.
However, a member of the Kuki-Zo Council, the apex civil society body representing Kuki-Zo organisations and communities in Manipur, told ThePrint that their groups have denied any involvement in the killing.
The Naga groups have called for a shutdown of all shops in Senapati district as a mark of protest and condemnation. A detailed statement by Naga groups is awaited on the matter.