Four Tangkhul Naga civilians, including a father and his son, were killed in an armed attack at Pilong, a remote settlement along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur’s Kamjong district, on Thursday, with a police FIR identifying the assailants as suspected Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) militants.
According to police source, reliable information was received at about 6 pm that unidentified armed persons, suspected to be KNA(B) militants, had entered Pilong at around 2:30 pm carrying sophisticated firearms and opened fire on villagers. Four civilians were killed on the spot.
The deceased have been identified as Phami Jajo, 43, son of Vareshim Jajo of Kangpat Khullen; Ningthem Kashak, 35, son of Ningon Kashak of Zingsui; Betterson Jajo, 50, son of Tennyson Jajo of Kangpat Khunou; and Vareshim Jajo, 67, son of late Buning Jajo of Kangpat Khullen.
The source confirmed that police have registered a suo motu case, FIR No. 13(09)2026 CSD-PS, under Sections 329(3), 137(2), 103(2) and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, besides Section 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 25(1-C) of the Arms Act, for investigation.
The FIR records the suspected involvement of Myanmar-based KNA(B) militants and their entry into Pilong from the Indo-Myanmar border. The allegation places the killings within the broader security concerns surrounding armed groups operating across the international frontier, although the identities of the attackers remain subject to investigation.
A report from the area said Akhan Kaping was rescued last night from the jungle between Pilong and Kangpat by security personnel and local residents after escaping the attack. He was reportedly among those present when the firing took place and subsequently provided information about the incident.
Post-mortem examinations of the four deceased were reportedly conducted at the Kamjong district headquarters.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long has alleged that the attackers were KNA-B cadres operating from across the Myanmar border and accused armed groups and security agencies of failing to adequately protect vulnerable Naga settlements along the frontier.
The TNL has described the Pilong attack as part of a series of violent incidents affecting Naga settlements in Kamjong and has called for stronger protection of border villages and accountability for the killings.
Meanwhile, a condolence meeting was also held at Kamjong district headquarter by the locals condemning the attack.
The latest attack has once again exposed the vulnerability of civilians living in Manipur’s remote international border belt, where the movement of armed groups across the frontier remains a major security concern.
