Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, October 20:
The Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (TNFO) has condemned the reported armed attack on a civilian vehicle along National Highway-202 (Imphal–Ukhrul Road), demanding an impartial investigation and stronger security measures to protect travellers.
In a statement issued on October 18, the organisation’s Central Working Committee (CWC) said a Maruti Suzuki Baleno carrying seven Gorkha Nepali occupants, including three men, three women and a child, came under attack at Mahadev at around 11.40 am. Two occupants reportedly sustained injuries.
Expressing serious concern over the incident, TNFO noted that the attack allegedly occurred just a few metres from a Border Security Force (BSF) checkpoint, raising questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements along the vulnerable highway.
The organisation described the incident as a serious threat to civilian safety, particularly given the presence of a child among the occupants. It said repeated condemnations would have little meaning without effective action to prevent such attacks.
The CWC called for an impartial investigation into the suspected involvement of Kuki militants, stressing that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law. The allegation has not been independently established.
TNFO also urged the state government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and preventive security measures along NH-202 to protect civilians travelling between Imphal and Ukhrul.