At least five Naga civilians were killed and another injured in an ambush by armed militants along the Imphal-Tamenglong IT Road in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday morning, escalating tensions in a region already affected by the Naga-Kuki conflict.
The Attack and Its Victims
The attack took place around 8:30 am between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga, a stretch of the IT Road used by several Naga villages. The identities of those responsible have not been officially established.
The deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of the Makui Youth Club; Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa; and Anil Wijunamai, also an executive member of the Makui Youth Club. Gaikamang Ringkangmai sustained injuries in the attack. Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority, was initially reported missing and was later found dead.
Preliminary reports said the victims were travelling along the IT Road when armed persons opened fire on them. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive remained unclear, though allegations have surfaced that cadres of Kuki armed groups were involved.
Background of Tensions Along the IT Road
The killings come amid renewed Naga-Kuki tensions along the IT Road. The corridor has witnessed armed clashes in recent months, including a prolonged gunfight in June in which one Kuki militant was reported killed and two others injured. Security forces were mobilised following the latest incident, with efforts made to locate the missing person and secure the area.
The reported killings have also drawn strong reactions from Naga civil society organisations. The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) called for the immediate closure of shops and business establishments in Senapati district headquarters to protest the killing of the four Naga civilians.
High-Level Meeting and Separate Firing
The incident occurred a day after a high-level meeting in Senapati involving Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC). Discussions at that meeting reportedly centred on the prevailing situation and measures to promote peace and stability in the region.
In a separate development on Thursday morning, gunfire was reported near Naibet along the IT Road after armed persons allegedly opened fire near agricultural fields where Kuki farmers were staying in temporary shelters. Local sources reported an exchange of fire after Kuki-Zo village volunteers responded, though details of casualties were not immediately available.
The two incidents, reported within the same stretch of the IT Road on the same morning, have heightened fears of further escalation in the area. Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive official account of the ambush, including confirmation of the perpetrators.