Naga civilians killed in an alleged ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district reached Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning, as the district headquarters observed a shutdown in protest against the killings.
Four people were killed and another was injured when armed assailants attacked their vehicle along the Imphal-Tamei Road on Thursday. The attack took place around 8.30 am between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages, according to officials and multiple reports.
Naga civilians brought to Senapati
The deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School; Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both associated with Makui Youth Club; and Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority.
The four were reportedly travelling in a vehicle when it came under attack on the isolated stretch of the IT Road. Another passenger, Gaikamang Ringkangmai, was injured and taken to Senapati District Hospital for treatment.
All five victims were reported to belong to the Liangmai Naga community. The identities of those responsible for the attack have not been independently established. The United Naga Council, however, has alleged the involvement of Kuki armed groups. That allegation remains unverified.
Tense movement of the Naga civilians
The recovery and movement of the bodies were delayed after security personnel reportedly faced difficulties while trying to reach the area on Thursday evening. Officials said an alleged blockade and disruptions at a village along the route prevented the bodies from being retrieved that night.
The bodies were eventually recovered on Friday morning and moved under CRPF escort. They were first received by civil society organisations at Thonglang Atongba before being taken to Senapati District Hospital.
The bodies reached the hospital at about 10.24 am, where post-mortem examinations were to be conducted. A large number of people gathered along the route and at the reception point to pay their respects.
Shutdown follows killing of Naga civilians
The killings triggered a shutdown at the Senapati district headquarters. The Naga People’s Organisation called for the closure of shops, commercial establishments and businesses following the attack. Normal activity was disrupted as people gathered to protest the killings.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council called for a one-day Genna, a traditional period of collective restraint and mourning, across Naga-inhabited areas. The observance was scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday, with emergency services and examinations exempted.
The shutdown and Genna reflected widespread anger and grief following the latest violence in the region.
Calls for a probe into Naga civilians’ deaths
Naga civil society organisations have demanded an impartial investigation and action against those responsible. The United Naga Council has called for a Special Investigation Team to examine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The demand comes amid renewed concerns over security along roads linking Naga settlements in the hill districts. The IT Road is an important route for residents travelling between villages and district headquarters.
The incident has also added to tensions in Kangpokpi and neighbouring Senapati. Authorities have increased security in the affected areas as officials assess the situation and investigate the attack.
Security concerns grow after attack
The latest killings come against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Earlier this year, six Naga civilians were abducted in Kangpokpi district and their mortal remains were recovered in June, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.
For residents in Senapati and surrounding Naga areas, the latest attack has renewed concerns about the safety of civilians travelling through conflict-affected areas.
Authorities now face the task of identifying those behind Thursday’s attack while preventing further escalation. As the families prepare to mourn the four Naga civilians, community organisations are pressing for justice, accountability and stronger security measures along vulnerable routes.
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