An ambush on the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) road of Kangpokpi district in Manipur has killed four and injured one, officials said Thursday, with one missing in action. The situation has had been further strained relations between both Naga and Kuki communities in the region.
The victims were from Naga community and armed Kuki militants allegedly attacked them around 8.30am between Makui Ashang and Thananba Naga villages, which are in the jurisdiction of Nawangpa Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU), said the local authorities. Strong blasts and intense firing was reported after the attack but it is not known yet who had launched the attack and how.
Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, as executive members of Makui Youth Club, Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, and student leader of Right Path school Japou MK. Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured and Wisobou Chawankining Village’s Chairman Charenamai was reported missing.
According to locals the IT road is very crucial for the Naga villages and they claimed that it was the responsibility of the Kuki National Front-Nehlun & Kuki Revolutionary Army. All such allegations have not been independently substantiated.
The police was rushed to the spot and the injured was rushed to the nearby hospital, and a missing person search had been conducted in the area.
On the other hand, Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers Twilang Lhang reported armed miscreants attacking Kuki farmers at Naibet village in Senapati district. There was no official confirmation of that incident.
The developments follow a meeting with representatives of the United Naga Council in Senapati on peace and stability held by Deputy Chief Minister Losi Dikho.