Four Naga civilians were killed and another injured after unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of travellers in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred around 8.30 a.m. on a village road between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages along the IT Road.
According to preliminary reports, as reported by The Hindu, the gunmen opened fire on at least six people travelling from Makui towards Senapati, a Naga-majority district.
Villagers identified the deceased as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, Mariakdibou Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai and Wisobou Charenamai.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured in the attack, while Japou MK was reported missing.
The attack comes as the Manipur government continues efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the State, which has been affected by ethnic violence since May 3, 2023.
The incident also comes amid efforts to restore movement along National Highway-2, including the recent resumption of the Imphal-Guwahati bus service. The highway passes through Kuki- and Naga-inhabited areas.
The Manipur government has condemned the killings and ordered security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal on Thursday evening following the killings.
The meeting, attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and various security agencies, discussed the attack and the security situation.
The government said stringent action would be taken against anyone, irrespective of community, found possessing illegal arms and weapons.
The Chief Minister also directed security officials to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings and initiate action against them.
The meeting was held in the context of the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Chief Minister on August 12 for individuals possessing illegal weapons to surrender them.
It was further decided that cadres of outfits under Suspension of Operations (SoO), or those engaged in peace talks with the government, would face serious action if found carrying weapons outside their designated camps.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the continued violence in Manipur and expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives, injuries and reports of people missing.
In a post on X, Rio said those responsible must be held accountable and called for an end to the cycle of violence.
“The cycle of violence must end, & peace & security must be restored for all,” he said.