Four Naga civilians killed in suspected ambush in Manipur's Ukhrul district
The victims were travelling in two vehicles along the Imphal-Ukhrul road when unidentified armed men opened fire.
Four people belonging to the Naga community were shot dead in a suspected ambush along the Imphal-Ukhrul road in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday afternoon, according to NENow and The Pioneer.
The incident occurred near New Haven village on National Highway 202 between noon and 1 pm. Suspected militants opened fire from the vicinity of Yaolen village at two vehicles, a Maruti Swift and a Bolero pick-up, as they were travelling towards Imphal.
The deceased include a mother and son from Shangshak village, identified as Kapangkhui Raihing and Haoleila Raihing, and two siblings from Tashar village, identified as August Ngalung and Khanmila. All four victims died on the spot.
Police officials stated that bullet marks were found on the windshields of the vehicles. While authorities suspect the involvement of Kuki militants, a Kuki organisation in Ukhrul has denied any participation and requested an investigation based on evidence.
The attack follows a gunfight between rival groups on Thursday in the neighbouring Senapati district, where a Kuki woman was shot dead and two men were injured. In response to that killing, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) called a 48-hour bandh in Kangpokpi district starting midnight on November 12.