At least five Naga civilians were reportedly killed, another injured and one person remained missing after armed militants ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district today morning, triggering fresh tension in the Naga-Kuki conflict-affected area.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 8:30 am between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga, a stretch of the IT Road used by several Naga villages in the area. The identities of those responsible have not been officially established.
The deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa; and Anil Wijunamai, also an executive member of Makui Youth Club.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai sustained injuries in the attack, while Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority, was reported missing, he was however later found dead.
Preliminary reports said the victims were travelling along the IT Road when armed persons opened fire on them. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive remained unclear, while allegations that cadres of Kuki armed groups were involved.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of civilians travelling along the IT Road, which serves as an important link for communities residing in the remote areas of Kangpokpi and neighbouring districts.
The killings come amid renewed Naga-Kuki tensions along the IT Road. The corridor has witnessed armed clashes in recent months, including a prolonged gunfight in June in which one Kuki militant was reported killed and two others injured.
Security forces were reportedly mobilised following the latest incident, while efforts were being made to locate the missing person and secure the area.
The reported killings have also triggered strong reactions from Naga civil society organisations. The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has reportedly called for the immediate closure of shops and business establishments in Senapati district headquarters in protest against the killing of the four Naga civilians.
The incident occurred a day after a high-level meeting in Senapati involving Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC), with discussions reportedly centred on the prevailing situation and measures to promote peace and stability in the region.
The latest violence has once again exposed the fragile security situation along the IT Road, where civilians continue to travel through areas affected by competing armed-group presence and longstanding inter-community tensions.
In a separate development on Thursday morning, gunfire was also reported near Naibet along the IT Road after armed persons allegedly opened fire near agricultural fields where Kuki farmers were staying in temporary shelters. Local sources reported an exchange of fire after Kuki-Zo village volunteers responded, although details of casualties were not immediately available.
The two incidents, reported within the same stretch of the IT Road on the same morning, have heightened fears of further escalation in the area.
Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive official account of the ambush, including confirmation of the perpetrators. Further details are awaited.
