Imphal/Kangpokpi: Four members of the Liangmai Naga community were killed and one sustained injuries after armed assailants attacked their vehicle on a forest track in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Thursday, officials said. The incident occurred at about 8.30 am in an isolated stretch between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga villages.
Attack and immediate aftermath
State officials said the four occupants were killed on the spot, while a fifth person was wounded. The injured person was being transported for treatment and the bodies were brought to a hospital in neighbouring Senapati district for post-mortem and further procedures. Local authorities identified the deceased as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai (founder and principal of a private school), M Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai and Wisobou Charenamai (chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority). The injured is named Gaikamang Ringkangmai. All five belong to the Liangmai Naga community, officials said.
Accusations and government response
The United Naga Council (UNC), an apex body representing sections of the Naga community in the state, accused two Kuki militant outfits — the Kuki National Front (P) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) — of carrying out the ambush, according to public statements reported by officials. The Manipur Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, directed security forces to locate and apprehend those responsible and ordered legal action against perpetrators.
In Imphal, the Chief Minister convened security officials to review the incident and the prevailing law-and-order situation in affected hill areas, state officials said. The meeting underlined that stringent action would be taken against anyone found possessing illegal arms, regardless of community. It also discussed measures to ensure cadres of armed groups under any Suspension of Operations arrangements or engaged in peace talks do not carry weapons outside designated camps.
Community measures and disruption
following the killings, several Naga organisations announced protest actions and shutdowns. The United Naga Council declared a 12‑hour shutdown in Naga-inhabited areas from 6 am on Friday, while the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) enforced closure of shops and business establishments in Senapati district headquarters. Officials warned the measures would affect normal life across hill districts and could hamper movement and services.
- Time of attack: about 8.30 am on Thursday
- Location: forested stretch between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga villages, Kangpokpi district
- Casualties: 4 dead, 1 injured (all Liangmai Naga community)
- Identified deceased: Tadsongbou Ringkangmai; M Wijunamai; Anil Wijunamai; Wisobou Charenamai
- Accused by UNC: Kuki National Front (P) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA)
Wider context
The incident comes against a backdrop of prolonged inter‑community violence in Manipur that has left large numbers dead and displaced. Since May 2023, official tallies and multiple reports indicate that at least 260 people have been killed and more than 58,800 rendered homeless in recurring clashes between communities, chiefly in the valley–hill fault lines.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Fatalities reported since May 2023 | 260 |
| People displaced since May 2023 | 58,800+ |
Security measures and next steps
Officials in the state have tasked security agencies with tracing the attackers and tightening patrols in vulnerable stretches connecting hill villages. The Chief Minister’s directive to take action against individuals in possession of arms aims to curb further incidents, officials said. Authorities also indicated that legal steps would be considered if members of armed groups under formal or informal ceasefire arrangements were found carrying weapons beyond permitted areas.
As investigations proceed, local administration in affected districts has advised residents to exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel on forest tracks and comply with directives from civil and police authorities. The shutdowns announced by Naga bodies are likely to affect market activity and access to services in hill areas until further notice.
Security and district officials said they would provide updates as inquiries progress and urged calm among communities while the probe into the ambush continues.
