Four Naga civilians shot dead in Manipur ambush
The victims were travelling in two separate vehicles near New Heaven village when unidentified armed men opened fire.
Four members of the Naga community, including two women, were killed in a suspected ambush on the Imphal-Ukhrul road in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, according to The Pioneer. The incident occurred around 1 pm near New Heaven village along National Highway 202.
The victims were travelling in two vehicles, a Maruti Swift and a Bolero pick-up, when unidentified armed men opened fire. Police reported that bullet marks were found on the windshields of the vehicles and all four people died at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as Kapangkhui Raihing and her son Haoleila RS from Shangshak village, and siblings August Ngalung and Khanmila Keishing from Tashar village. Security teams were sent to the site immediately after the attack.
Police suspect the involvement of Kuki militants, though a Kuki organisation in Ukhrul has denied involvement and requested an investigation based on evidence. The identities of the assailants have not been confirmed as investigations continue.
The attack follows a gunfight between rival groups on Thursday in the neighbouring Senapati district, which resulted in the death of a Kuki woman and injuries to two men. In Kangpokpi, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has called a 48-hour bandh starting from midnight on November 12 to protest that killing.