Tragic Shooting in Manipur: Two Naga Community Members Killed on National Highway
Violence Erupts on Imphal-Dimapur Highway
In a tragic incident on Saturday, two individuals from the Naga community were fatally shot along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in Manipur. The attack occurred when unidentified gunmen opened fire on vehicles en route to Ukhrul district.
Authorities in Imphal confirmed that the victims were identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, aged 45, and Yaruingam Vashum, aged 42. Shokwungnao was the son of Ruichumhao Shokwungnao, a retired member of the Indian Army from the Naga Regiment, while Vashum was the son of Thuimi Vashum from Kharasom village.
In response to the shooting, additional security forces, led by a senior police officer, have been deployed to the area to conduct a combing operation aimed at apprehending those responsible.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long, representing the Tangkhul Naga community, expressed outrage over the attack on civilians near Yaolen Kuki village. They alleged that Kuki militants, currently under a Suspension of Operation agreement with the government, were behind the assault.
According to the Tangkhul Naga Long, both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The organization condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal act that reflects the savagery of the Kukis, who have been attacking civilians since the conflict began in February.
The attack occurred while passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, were traveling in separate vehicles from Imphal to Ukhrul. The convoy had previously passed through the villages of Mahadev and Litan with security escorts, but the assault happened shortly after the escort team returned to Litan.
The Tangkhul Naga Long reported that six vehicles in the convoy were targeted by militants using sniper rifles and other advanced long-range weaponry.
The statement criticized the perceived inaction of both state and central security forces, suggesting that their failure to intervene has emboldened militants to carry out such violent acts.
The organization raised concerns about the competence of security forces, questioning whether their inaction is due to incompetence or complicity.
This incident follows a visit by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to Ukhrul, where he assured the provision of Road Opening Patrols and security escorts along the highway.
The Tangkhul Naga Long has called for immediate combing operations in Yaolen and surrounding Kuki-inhabited areas.
In contrast, the Kuki-Zo Council, representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, expressed deep concern over media reports linking Kuki militants to the killings. They firmly denied any involvement of Kuki-Zo individuals or groups in this incident.
The council suggested that the incident may be related to tensions among specific factional groups rather than any organized Kuki-Zo involvement. They criticized the tendency to blame the Kuki-Zo community without proper verification, arguing that such allegations misrepresent the community, especially in incidents involving the Meitei or Naga communities.