The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) has strongly condemned the April 18 ambush near TM Kasom village along National Highway-202, terming it a “horrific and unprovoked assault” on innocent civilians and raising concerns over security lapses along the route.
In a statement issued by SDSA President A. Saloni Tony and General Secretary Khi Washington KP, the association alleged that suspected Kuki militants targeted a civilian convoy travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul road, leaving two persons dead and several others seriously injured. The incident has triggered widespread anger and anxiety among residents of the hill districts.
SDSA pointed out that the attack occurred shortly after a high-level visit by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, during which assurances were reportedly given to ensure safety along the highway. It stated that the targeting of unarmed civilians soon after the withdrawal of security escorts has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements.
Calling the incident a grave threat to civilian safety, the association has been enforcing a three-day total shutdown across Senapati district from midnight of April 20 to midnight of April 23, 2026, in line with resolutions adopted by the United Naga Council (UNC). During the shutdown, educational institutions, government offices, banks and business establishments have remained closed.
As part of the mourning programme, SDSA has announced a candlelight vigil to be held on April 23 at 6:30 pm at the District Headquarters Traffic Point.
The association has also imposed restrictions on vehicular movement across the district, including security convoys, while exempting essential services such as medical care, water supply, electricity, fire services and emergency travel.
SDSA cautioned that any violation of its directives would be at the individual’s own risk and called for public cooperation, particularly from students and youth, during the period of mourning.