An armed ambush on the Imphal-Tamenglong Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has reportedly killed five Naga civilians and injured another, triggering fresh tension in an already fragile area.
The attack took place at around 8:30 am on Thursday, August 27, between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages along the IT Road, an important route used by Naga communities in the region. The victims were travelling in a vehicle when armed attackers opened fire.
The victims have been identified in reports as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School; Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both executive members of the Makui Youth Club; Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority; and Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured in the attack.
Death toll remains disputed in early reports
There was confusion over the casualty count in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Initial reports from officials said four people were killed, one injured and another person missing. Wisobou Charenamai was initially reported missing. Later reports from local media said his body was recovered, taking the reported death toll to five.
However, some later official and major-news reports continued to list four deceased, while identifying Wisobou among the four and saying another passenger had survived. The conflicting accounts have not yet been fully reconciled.
NewzNow is therefore reporting the five-death figure as reported, while noting that official accounts have differed.
Naga groups accuse Kuki militant groups
The United Naga Council (UNC) has accused armed members of Kuki militant groups of carrying out the ambush.
The UNC has specifically named Kuki National Front (P), Kuki National Front and Kuki Revolutionary Army and alleged that the groups, operating under the Suspension of Operations arrangement, were responsible for the attack. The organisation has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the killings.
However, the identity of the attackers has not been independently established. The allegations made by Naga organisations should therefore not be treated as a confirmed attribution.
Chief Minister orders action
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting following the attack and directed security officials to identify and arrest those responsible.
The government also decided to take strict action against anyone found possessing illegal arms, irrespective of community. It further warned that members of armed groups under the Suspension of Operations arrangement or involved in peace talks would face action if they were found carrying weapons outside their designated camps.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho condemned the attack, describing the killing of civilians as a serious threat to efforts to restore peace, normalcy and development in Manipur. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also condemned the violence and said those responsible would face the full force of the law.
Naga areas observe ‘Genna’
The killings triggered protests in Naga-majority areas.
The United Naga Council announced a 12-hour ‘Genna’ on Friday, August 28, from 6 am to 6 pm across Naga areas and district headquarters. The shutdown covers vehicle movement, shops, business establishments, government offices and educational institutions, while emergency services and board or common examinations have been exempted.
The attack comes only days after fresh violence between Naga and Kuki communities in neighbouring areas, adding to concerns that the latest killings could further deepen tensions along the IT Road and surrounding regions.
A dangerous new flashpoint in Manipur
The Imphal-Tamenglong Road serves as a vital link for several Naga-inhabited areas. Repeated incidents of armed violence along the corridor have raised serious concerns over the safety of civilians travelling through the region.
The latest ambush has therefore become more than an isolated criminal incident. It comes at a particularly sensitive time, when the Manipur government is attempting to restore normalcy and rebuild trust between communities.
Who carried out the attack, why the civilians were targeted and whether the killings were part of a wider organised operation remain questions for the investigation.
For now, one thing is clear: another deadly attack on civilians has pushed Manipur’s fragile peace back into the spotlight.
