Three Naga organizations – the Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA), the Global Naga Forum (GNF), and the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) – have strongly condemned the killing of two unarmed Naga civilians in a suspected ambush along National Highway 202 near TM-Kasom village in Ukhrul District, Manipur, on April 18, 2026.
The incident, which reportedly involved sophisticated weapons, has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over civilian safety in the region. The victims were identified as Tangkhul Naga civilians, and their deaths have been described by the organizations as a grave attack on innocent lives.
NSA: “Barbaric attack must be unequivocally condemned”
The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) “vehemently denounces and condemns in the strongest terms possible the barbaric attack, a calculated ambush using sophisticated weaponry on innocent unarmed Naga civilians at TM-Kasom village… which tragically claimed two precious lives.”
Calling it a “heinous crime,” the NSA stated that the killing “of defenceless individuals with such sophisticated weapons shows the premeditated and ruthless nature of the perpetrators” and demanded that it “must be unequivocally censured by all right-thinking minds, irrespective of community, race, or affiliation.”
The association also raised broader concerns over security in the region, stating the incident “exposes a dangerous nexus that has allowed anti-social elements to function freely, thereby placing innocent civilian lives at constant risk.”
The NSA urged authorities to act swiftly, saying: “The NSA firmly and unequivocally calls upon the concerned authorities to take immediate and stringent action to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law.”
It also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, adding it “reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.”
GNF raises allegations, calls for review of SoO agreement
The Global Naga Forum (GNF) also issued a strong statement condemning what it described as a “heinous ambush and killing of two innocent Tangkhul Naga civilians along NH-202 near TM Kasom, Ukhrul,” alleging it to be the “handiwork of Kuki terrorists.”
The GNF further claimed there are “multiple ground reports and eyewitness accounts” suggesting movement of Kuki SoO militant cadres near Naga villages including Sinakeithei, Thoyee, Sharkaphung, and TM Kasom, and alleged that nearby villages such as Mongkot-Chepu, Shangkhai, Zalenbung, Songphel, and Mollen are being used as “operational bases.”
It also raised concerns about the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, stating: “There is increasing apprehension that the monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 provided to each cadre under the SoO arrangement is being misused… for the procurement of arms and ammunition.”
The Forum further said reports of proposed financial releases “have only deepened these concerns” and urged governments to ensure strict enforcement of ground rules, warning that violations should be dealt with firmly.
GNF also called for reconsideration of the agreement, stating that if misuse is proven, “it becomes both necessary and justified to consider the abrogation of the SoO agreement with the concerned Kuki groups, particularly the KNO.”
While condemning the violence, the GNF stressed that “the path to lasting peace and justice does not lie in the barrel of a gun” and appealed for “immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue.”
It added that “An attack on the Tangkhul Nagas is an attack on the Naga people,” while urging both Central and State governments to intervene through “impartial mediation.”
AKM calls for probe, unity and peace
The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) also “expresses its strongest condemnation of the heinous and barbaric attack on innocent Naga civilians at TM-Kason village along NH-202… which led to the tragic loss of two precious lives.”
Calling the act “inhumane,” AKM said it “stands in unwavering solidarity with the bereaved families” and described the incident as “a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental rights, and the sanctity of life.”
It termed the violence “a direct assault on peace, security, and the harmonious coexistence among our people.”
AKM further urged authorities “to initiate an immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay,” warning that any failure in justice delivery would be seen seriously.
Reiterating its stand, AKM stated it “firmly reiterates its stand against all forms of violence” and appealed to all sections of society “to remain united, uphold peace, and not allow such acts to divide us.”