Tragic Armed Attack in Manipur Claims Two Lives
Incident Overview
The firing took place around 3 pm at Kalenjang village near Taphou Kuki, in Senapati district. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Sept 26: An armed assault in the Senapati district of Manipur resulted in the deaths of two Naga civilians and left two others injured on Saturday. This incident occurred just hours after the United Naga Council (UNC) decided to temporarily lift its economic blockade following discussions with the central government and the Manipur administration in Assam.
The shooting happened around 3 PM in Kalenjang village, close to Taphou Kuki, where the victims were reportedly attacked inside the residence of the village headman.
The deceased have been identified as Rocky from Chowainu village, under the jurisdiction of Mao Police Station, and Kumar from Laii Shirafii village, which falls under Tungjoy Police Station. Rocky was a member of the Mao Naga community, while Kumar belonged to the Poumai Naga community.
Details regarding the identities and conditions of the two injured individuals have not yet been disclosed.
Law enforcement officials arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting to evaluate the situation. More information, including evidence collection and police reports, is pending.
Local reports suggest that Kuki militants may have been responsible for the attack, although this claim has not been independently verified, and there has been no official confirmation regarding the perpetrators.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another armed attack on September 25, where four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in Pilong, located near the India-Myanmar border.
The UNC's economic blockade was associated with their demands related to the abduction and murder of six Naga men in May.
Key demands from the UNC include the annulment of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed factions, the immediate resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and justice for the six Naga men who were abducted and killed.
Additionally, the Naga organization is calling for action against those allegedly involved in the abduction and murders, as well as the designation of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) as a terrorist organization.
On the same day, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was present in the Mao area, participating in the silver jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, themed “Heritage to Horizons.”
Further updates regarding the incident, including the status of the injured and police findings, are awaited.