Shutdown called after attack on Village Guards
The United Naga Council (UNC) on Saturday announced a 24-hour Emergency Total Shutdown across all Naga districts and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur following an attack that resulted in two deaths and two injuries among Village Guards, the apex Naga body said.
The shutdown was ordered from 11 pm on August 14 to 11 pm on August 15. The UNC urged residents and businesses to observe the directive in a disciplined and peaceful manner while exempting emergency services such as medical and fire response.
Attack condemned as deliberate assault on Naga identity
The UNC described the incident as a "barbaric and calculated attack" and said it occurred on Naga Independence Day, which it said made the timing a direct affront to the Naga people and their identity. The body called for a thorough and impartial investigation and immediate identification and legal action against those responsible.
"A barbaric and calculated attack," the UNC said, calling for an impartial probe and swift action.
Victims and medical response
Two of the Village Guards were killed in the attack and two sustained injuries. The deceased were identified by the UNC as Wiriliangbou Chawang, 35, and Kawidinang Abonmai, 54. The wounded were named as Maliangjinang Abonmai, 50, and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 45.
The two injured men were airlifted by the Indian Army from Haochong to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, at around 5:30 pm for treatment, the UNC said.
| Victim | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wiriliangbou Chawang | 35 | Deceased |
| Kawidinang Abonmai | 54 | Deceased |
| Maliangjinang Abonmai | 50 | Injured; airlifted to RIMS |
| Namthiulungbou Prinmai | 45 | Injured; airlifted to RIMS |
Allegations against KNF-P Kuki militants
The UNC alleged that the attack was carried out by KNF-P Kuki militants. The body also referenced a series of recent incidents in the area, including a reported arson attack on Tokpa Naga village on August 11 in which at least 10 houses were said to have been burned. The UNC cited these events to underscore its demand for a credible and timely inquiry.
Shutdown directions and exemptions
Under the shutdown order, the UNC directed that all shops, commercial establishments, offices, institutions and other non-essential activities remain closed during the 24-hour period. The UNC explicitly exempted essential and emergency services from the shutdown.
- Duration: 11 pm, August 14 to 11 pm, August 15
- Area: All Naga districts and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur
- Exemptions: Medical, fire and other emergency services
Calls for calm and investigation
In its communique, the UNC appealed for calm and unity among Naga citizens during the shutdown and asked the authorities to carry out an impartial investigation. The body also highlighted concerns over what it described as alleged obstruction of security forces and goodwill missions in relation to other recent incidents.
Wider context
The warning and shutdown come amid continuing tensions in Manipur that have seen recurring violent incidents across ethnic lines. Local organisations and community groups frequently use shutdowns as a form of protest or to signal collective grievance; such directives have direct implications for daily life, movement and local commerce.
The UNC's demand for a prompt and impartial probe implicitly places responsibility on law enforcement and civil authorities to provide timely updates and ensure accountability. The Indian Army's involvement in evacuating the injured to RIMS underscores the continuing security responses in the region.
The UNC has urged authorities to identify the perpetrators and pursue legal action without delay, while calling on the public to respect the shutdown and maintain peace.
