Four Naga Civilians Killed in Manipur Ambush; Bodies Recovered After Delay
The bodies of four Naga civilians killed in an ambush in Manipur's Kangpokpi district were recovered on Friday morning, a day after the attack, officials said. The victims, all belonging to the Liangmai Naga community, were attacked while travelling in a vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages around 8.30 a.m. on Thursday.
The deceased have been identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of a private school, M Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai, and Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority. One other person, Gaikamang Ringkangmai, was injured in the attack and is receiving treatment.
Security forces had attempted to retrieve the bodies on Thursday evening but could not reach the site due to an alleged blockade and disruptions at a village along the route, officials said. A team comprising state police personnel reached the ambush site on Friday morning and brought the bodies to Senapati district headquarters.
On Thursday night, a large number of people gathered at Senapati district headquarters to protest, demanding that the bodies be brought to the Naga-majority district. When the bodies reached Thonglang Atongba in Kangpokpi district, village volunteers fired several rounds in the air as a mark of respect, officials said.
Following the killings, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting and directed security forces to identify, arrest and take action against those involved in the attack. The state government has announced an investigation, though no arrests have been reported so far.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Naga community in the state, accused two militant outfits – the Kuki National Front (P) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) – of being involved in the ambush. The UNC did not provide evidence, and the accused groups have not yet responded to the allegation.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, which have seen recurring violence between different communities, particularly in the hill districts. Kangpokpi, where the attack took place, has a mixed population, and the region has experienced sporadic clashes. The Naga community has historically maintained its own political aspirations, and the presence of multiple armed groups complicates the security situation.
Civil society organisations have appealed for calm and urged authorities to ensure that justice is delivered through due process. The recovery of the bodies after a day-long delay has heightened public anger, with residents demanding a transparent investigation and measures to prevent further violence.
The state government has not yet commented on the specific allegations made by the UNC, but officials have stated that all possible leads are being explored. Security forces have been deployed in the area to maintain order, and additional patrols have been initiated.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation among all communities in Manipur. While the immediate priority is to bring those responsible to justice, long-term peace will depend on addressing the underlying grievances and ensuring the safety of all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic identity.
