Manipur: Four killed in armed attack; Naga body announces 24-hr shutdown

Four people were killed in an attack carried out by an armed group in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Thursday, officials confirmed. According to police, the incident took place around 4pm at Pilong village of Manipur’s Kamjong district.

Pilong village is located in Kamjong district near Indo-Myanmar border pillar number 95.

A senior Manipur police officer requesting anonymity said, “The attack was carried out by armed miscreants who probably came from across the Indo-Myanmar border. In the attack, four individuals including a father and son were killed while one identified as one Akhan Kaping managed to escape and reported the incident.”

A police team in coordination with locals and Assam Rifles personnel have proceeded to retrieve the bodies and assist the injured in Pilong village, said Kamjong district police.

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Police said they are trying to find out about those behind this attack but there are unverified reports indicating the involvement of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) faction.

Locals reported that the victims have been identified. However, the identity of the deceased cannot be independently ascertained by the officials.

Kamjong district is located bordering Myanmar and predominantly resided by the Tangkhul Naga community.

Tension erupted between Naga and Kuki communities since February 7 following a drunken altercation at Litan village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Tension escalated after May 13 twin ambushes which left four people, including three church leaders, dead. On the same day, Kuki-Zo and Naga groups captured 48 people.

Also Read: Manipur: 4 Naga homes set afire in retaliatory attack hours after Kuki killings

On May 15, as many as 14 captives each from the two communities were released. The remaining 14 Kuki-Zo hostages were freed unharmed on June 9. Mutilated bodies of the six Nagas were found the next day. Nagas blocked national highways, demanding justice.

The ethnic violence in Manipur first began in 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Emergency shutdown

Meanwhile, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), a Tangkhul Naga body has announced 24-hours emergency shutdown with effect from Friday 7am till 7am Saturday.

A statement issued by TNL signed by its secretary Thanreingam Muivah on Thursday stated that the decision of shutdown was directed by its president and the shutdown will be imposed within the jurisdiction of Tangkhul Naga Long to protest against the killing of four civilians namely, Phami Jajo of Kangpat Khullen, Ningthem Kashak of Zingsui, Betterson Jajo of Kangpat Khunou and Vareishim Jajo of Kangpat Khullen.

The Naga body accused Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) faction and Kuki Narco-terrorists for the attack.