Tragic Ambush in Manipur: Woman Killed, Two Missing Amid Rising Tensions
Incident Overview
The deceased has been identified as Hatneikim Haokip
Imphal, Oct 16: A tragic incident unfolded in Manipur's Kamjong district on Thursday evening when suspected militants attacked two motorcycles carrying four villagers, resulting in the death of a woman and leaving two others unaccounted for.
The body of the woman was discovered late at night, as tensions in the district escalated due to reports of armed confrontations and a blockade by Naga women near the Indo-Myanmar border.
The ambush occurred between 4 PM and 5 PM while the four civilians, traveling as two couples on motorcycles, were en route to Phaikoh for essential supplies.
The victim, identified as Hatneikim Haokip, the spouse of Jangkhongam Haokip, succumbed to her injuries in the attack, while her husband managed to escape with gunshot wounds.
The other two individuals, D. Paokhothang Haokip and his wife, Boishi Haokip, both hailing from Chassad village, are currently missing, as reported by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM).
Search efforts by security forces and local villagers are underway to locate the missing couple. The recovery of Hatneikim's body occurred amidst rising tensions in the region.
Official Response
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the ambush in a statement released on October 15, labeling it a serious criminal act. She extended her condolences to the grieving family and wished for Jangkhongam Haokip's swift recovery.
Kipgen urged local authorities to uphold law and order, expedite investigations, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. She also called on community leaders and citizens to remain calm, exercise restraint, and dismiss any rumors or provocations.
“Our collective commitment must be to peace, mutual respect, and the safety of all individuals,” she emphasized.
Rising Tensions Near the Border
In a separate incident near Pillar 102 along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong district, Naga women reportedly obstructed a road to prevent a security convoy from passing, maintaining the blockade until late Thursday night.
Reports of armed clashes in nearby areas have further escalated tensions, although details regarding the involved parties and any casualties remain unclear.
These developments come in the wake of the ambush and ongoing uncertainty regarding the two missing civilians.
Calls for Investigation
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has condemned the ambush and is demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the council accused NSCN-IM cadres of being behind the attack, claiming that the number of Kuki-Zo civilians killed due to violence linked to NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) has reached 30.
The KZC also questioned Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho's call for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen over allegations of complicity in the deaths of Naga civilians.
They argued that allegations against Dikho regarding his connections with NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) should also be thoroughly investigated, asserting that accountability must be fair and consistent.
Furthermore, the KZC stated that if Naga leaders are advocating for the abrogation of Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with KNO/UPF, then the ceasefire with NSCN-IM should also be reconsidered.
They insisted that if the president of KNF (P) is to be treated as a terrorist, then NSCN-IM's leadership should also face legal consequences for their alleged involvement in the deaths of Kuki civilians, including incidents dating back to the 1990s.
“No individual or organization should be above the law,” the council asserted, calling for equal application of the law, regardless of the community or organization involved.
The KZC's claims regarding armed groups and political figures have not been independently verified.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the leading body of the Kuki community, also condemned the ambush and expressed concern for the two missing civilians.
According to their statement, four civilians traveling as two couples on motorcycles were attacked between Molnoi and Phaikoh. Hatneikim Haokip died at the scene, while her husband escaped with injuries.
The statement identified the missing individuals as D. Paokhothang Haokip and his wife, Boishi Haokip, from Chassad village, whose whereabouts remain unknown.