Violence Erupts in Manipur: Two Naga Volunteers Killed by Armed Attackers

Imphal, August 15: In a tragic incident in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, armed militants have killed two Naga village volunteers and injured two others. The attack occurred in the village of Langka, where heavily armed assailants targeted the volunteers, who were also farmers.

The deceased have been identified as Viriliangbo Chawang, 35, and Kawidinang Abonmai, 54. The injured individuals are Maliangjinang Abonmai, 50, and Namthiyulungbo Prinmai, 45.

According to police reports, the Naga village of Langka is located near the Kangpokpi-Tamei region. Several Naga tribal organizations, including the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), have condemned the attack, attributing it to Kukis militants.

In response to the killings, the LNC-M has declared a complete shutdown in all Liangmai Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, effective immediately and indefinitely. The organization stated that in solidarity with the victims, all shops, markets, government and non-government offices, and non-essential activities will remain closed. Emergency services, including medical and fire services, will be exempt from the shutdown.

The TNL has claimed that armed Kukis, supported by the Kuki National Front (KNF) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), executed the attack, resulting in the deaths of two innocent farmers and injuries to two others.

The Naga organization alleged that around 50 KRA cadres, led by KNF leader Jangboi Kipzen, ambushed the village. This armed attack occurred just days after Kukis set fire to abandoned homes in Kailenjong and falsely blamed the Naga community.

The TNL further stated that the KNF and KRA cadres, both under the ‘Suspension of Operations’ (SOO) agreement with the central government, are engaging in large-scale armed violence against the Naga community.

This violence escalated after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh issued a 15-day ultimatum for armed volunteers to surrender their weapons. The TNL accused the armed Kuki groups of deliberately and strategically targeting the Naga people.