Several Naga civil organisations have strongly condemned the killing of two civilians in an armed ambush along the Imphal–Ukhrul road on Saturday afternoon, describing the incident as a targeted attack on unarmed travellers and raising serious concerns over security lapses along National Highway-202.
According to statements issued separately, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO), United Naga Council (UNC) and Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL) alleged that suspected Kuki militants carried out the attack near the TM Kasom–Yaolen stretch around 2:30 pm to 2:35 pm, shortly after a convoy of civilian vehicles travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul was left without security escort.
The victims were identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, a retired soldier of the Naga Regiment from Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum of Kharasom village. The organisations described the killings as deliberate and termed the victims as innocent civilians caught in a planned assault.
In its statement, the Tangkhul Naga Long described the incident as a “brutal and inhuman attack,” alleging that militants used long-range weapons and opened fire on multiple vehicles carrying women, children and sick persons. The body stated that the convoy had earlier crossed vulnerable points under escort but was attacked immediately after security personnel withdrew, and called for large-scale combing operations in the area.
The Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation termed the ambush a “cold-blooded act of terror” and questioned the withdrawal of escort from what it described as a highly vulnerable stretch. Holding the district administration accountable, TNFO demanded suspension of the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, along with a time-bound inquiry to fix responsibility. It also called for restructuring the existing highway security mechanism.
The United Naga Council described the killings as a “calculated and cowardly attack” and a direct threat to civilian safety and regional stability. Expressing concern over what it termed a serious security lapse, the apex body noted that the incident reportedly occurred close to a security installation. It demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency for an independent probe and sought firm accountability from both State and Central authorities.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long termed the incident a “premeditated and heinous ambush” and said the killings reflect a complete disregard for human life and challenge the authority of security forces operating in the region. The body stated that repeated such incidents point to serious lapses in the existing security framework despite visible deployment along the highway.
TNAL demanded immediate arrest of those responsible, adequate compensation for the bereaved families and enhanced security measures to ensure safe civilian movement along NH-202. It also called for removal of Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps from Naga-inhabited areas and warned against continued attacks on civilians.
All four organisations questioned the effectiveness of current security arrangements along NH-202, stating that repeated attacks on civilians have eroded public confidence. They also pointed out that the incident occurred shortly after the recent visit of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to Ukhrul, during which assurances on improved highway security were reportedly given.
The organisations urged the government to take immediate and decisive measures to ensure safe movement of civilians along the Imphal–Ukhrul route, warning that continued inaction could further deepen fear and instability in the region.