Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, November 13:
At least four civilians, including a mother and her son, were reportedly shot dead in a suspected sniper attack on vehicles travelling along National Highway-102 at New Haven around noon on Friday.
According to preliminary reports, the victims were travelling in two separate vehicles, a Bolero pick-up and a Maruti Swift, when suspected armed assailants allegedly opened fire from the vicinity of Yaolen village, a Kuki settlement near the incident site.
The deceased have been identified as Kapangkhui RS and Haoleila RS of Shangshak village, and August Ngalung and Khanmila of Tashar village. Kapangkhui and Haoleila were reportedly mother and son, while August Ngalung and Khanmila were siblings.
The attack on civilian travellers has renewed concerns over the security of NH-102 and the safety of commuters using the highway.
The identities of the attackers, the precise circumstances of the shooting and the response of security forces were not immediately known. Further details are awaited.