The mortal remains of four Naga civilians allegedly killed by unidentified armed miscreants along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday reached Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning, amid a complete shutdown at the district headquarters in protest against the killings.
The deceased have been identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, executive members of Makui Youth Club; and Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa.
The four were allegedly killed between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages on Thursday. Following the incident, the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police visited the area to assess the situation. The bodies were subsequently escorted to Senapati by the CRPF and reached the district hospital at around 10.24 am on Friday.
Police said post-mortem examinations would be conducted at Senapati District Hospital.
The mortal remains were first received by civil society organisations at Thonglang Atongba, a Liangmei village, at around 8.30 am. The village authority presented four shawls in honour of the deceased.
Large numbers of people gathered along the route and at the reception point to pay their last respects. Several family members reportedly fainted upon receiving the mortal remains and were treated at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Gaikamang Ringkangmai, 44, who sustained a grievous injury to his left forearm in the attack, is undergoing treatment at Senapati District Hospital. Japou MK, who reportedly escaped the incident, is also at the hospital.
The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) called for an immediate shutdown of shops and business establishments at Senapati district headquarters in protest against the killings.
The United Naga Council (UNC) condemned the killings and demanded that those responsible be booked and brought to justice. It also called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attack.
The UNC has announced a Genna from 6 am to 6 pm on August 28 across Naga areas and district headquarters. During the observance, vehicle movement, shops and business establishments, and government and private educational institutions will remain closed.
The killings have heightened tension in Kangpokpi, Senapati and adjoining areas. The incident comes 106 days after six Liangmai Naga civilians were abducted and subsequently killed following the May 13 violence in Kangpokpi district, adding to growing anger and apprehension among Naga communities in the region.