Four people were killed and two others injured after suspected militants attacked a vehicle carrying members of the Naga community in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday. One passenger remains missing following the assault, according to police sources.
The attack reportedly took place along IT Road between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga areas, as the group was travelling from Makui village towards Senapati. Police suspect Kuki militants were behind the attack, although an official confirmation regarding the perpetrators was not immediately available.
Among those killed was Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of a missionary school. Two officials associated with the Makui Youth Club and a Naga student leader were also reportedly killed. Two other Naga community volunteers suffered serious injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
The chairman of a local village authority, who was travelling in the vehicle, has remained unaccounted for since the attack.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over security in Manipur, where tensions between different communities have repeatedly triggered violence. The attack comes at a time when Meitei and Naga groups have been jointly raising demands for an NRC before the upcoming Census and action against what they describe as illegal Kuki immigrants.
Following Thursday’s violence, a high-level security meeting was held in Imphal under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand. Security officials were instructed to identify and arrest those responsible and initiate legal action.
Authorities also decided to take strict action against anyone found possessing illegal weapons, irrespective of community. Members of armed groups covered by ceasefire agreements or involved in peace talks will also face action if they carry weapons outside designated camps.
The latest incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of the fragile security situation across the state.
