Manipur Chief Minister Condemns Deadly Ambush in Ukhrul District
Condemnation of the Ambush
Chief Minister Singh (centre) in Thawai Kuki village on Friday while en route to Ukhrul district headquarters. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Apr 18: On Saturday, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed strong disapproval of the recent ambush in T.M. Kasom, located in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, labeling it a “heinous act” and a “crime against humanity.”
Following the incident, the Chief Minister released a statement regarding the tragic loss of two lives, including that of a retired Army personnel, due to the suspected militant attack, which he described as “deeply disturbing.”
“The tragic event at TM Khasom, where two individuals, including a retired Army personnel, were killed in a cowardly ambush by suspected militants, is profoundly troubling. I vehemently condemn this act and classify it as a crime against humanity,” he stated.
Expressing his sorrow, Khemchand extended his condolences to the families affected. “My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time. I offer my heartfelt sympathies and stand with them in their sorrow,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the government's stance against such violence, the Chief Minister has assigned the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
“Acts of violence have no place in our society. The Government is steadfast in its commitment to deliver justice and will take all necessary actions to maintain peace and security in the state,” he emphasized.
This condemnation follows the ambush along NH-202 in Ukhrul, which has escalated tensions in the area.
In the meantime, conflicting reports have surfaced from community organizations regarding the identity of the attackers.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) accused Kuki militants under Suspension of Operations (SoO) of carrying out the attack “near Yaolen Kuki village.”
Conversely, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) issued a separate statement denying any involvement from their community and criticized the unfounded attribution of blame as “deeply regrettable.”
“The incident may be associated with ongoing tensions among other factional groups rather than being the result of any Kuki-Zo group,” the council stated.
The killings occurred just a day after the Chief Minister's visit to Ukhrul as part of his outreach initiative, raising further security concerns in the region.
In response to the rising tensions, security measures have been intensified along vulnerable sections of NH-202.