Four Naga civilians killed in Manipur vehicle ambush
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on two vehicles along National Highway 202 in Ukhrul district on Friday.
Four Naga civilians were shot dead on Friday afternoon during a suspected militant ambush on National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, according to reports by NENow and The Hindu. The incident took place near New Haven between noon and 1 p.m. when gunmen opened fire on a Maruti Swift and a Bolero pick-up travelling towards Imphal.
The victims were identified as Kapangkhui Raihing and her son Haoleila Raihing from Shangshak village, as well as siblings Tychicus Ngalung and Tanmila from Tashar village. All four individuals died on the spot, according to a Manipur Police statement.
Security forces, including the Manipur Police, Border Security Force (BSF), Army, and Assam Rifles, have been deployed to the area to conduct search operations and prevent further violence. The site of the attack is located approximately 35 km from Ukhrul town.
Naga organisations have suggested Kuki armed groups might be responsible, though Kuki groups have categorically denied any involvement. Several Kuki civil society organisations have condemned the killings and called for an impartial investigation.
The ambush occurred a day after a Kuki woman was killed and two men were injured in a firing incident in the neighbouring Kangpokpi district. Congress Legislature Party leader K Meghachandra questioned the response of the state and central governments regarding the recurring loss of civilian lives.