6 Naga Village Guards injured in fresh attack at Ringui Horei; TNL alleges security forces’ complicity

At least six Naga Village Guards (NVGs) were injured in a fresh attack at Ringui Horei Kaphung in Ukhrul district early Monday morning, triggering renewed tension in the region. The injured volunteers were reportedly part of local defence arrangements when armed assailants opened fire. They have been shifted to nearby medical facilities, and their condition is stated to be stable.
Following the incident, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) issued a strong condemnation, terming the attack a “premeditated and coordinated assault” allegedly carried out by Kuki armed groups. The organisation expressed concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of violence targeting Naga villages and defensive units.
In a press communiqué, the TNL Working Committee pointed out that the attack occurred shortly after recent combing operations conducted by combined Central security forces in Naga-inhabited areas. It questioned the effectiveness of such operations, alleging that similar exercises in the past have been followed by attacks on Naga settlements.
The committee cited earlier incidents, including a combing operation at Lungter Hills on April 28, which it claimed was followed by an armed attack the same evening. It further alleged that despite reports of firing on civilians along National Highway-202 near Yaolen village on May 2, no action was taken against the suspected attackers.
Instead, the TNL claimed that security forces dismantled defensive bunkers of Naga Village Guards at New Haven, while leaving alleged militant positions untouched. It also referred to a previous incident at Thoyee village, where local defensive structures were reportedly dismantled following an attack.
Maintaining that the Naga Village Guards have been acting strictly in self-defence, the committee accused security forces of failing to act against aggressors and, in doing so, weakening local defence mechanisms. It further alleged possible compromise of sensitive information regarding NVG positions, enabling repeated attacks.
Describing the situation as a serious threat to civilian safety, the TNL Working Committee called upon the Government of India to ensure impartial security operations, restore public confidence, and take urgent steps to prevent further escalation of violence in the hill districts.