Imphal: At least five Liangmai Naga civilians were reportedly killed in an ambush while travelling from Makui village towards Senapati on Thursday, according to local sources.
The incident reportedly took place near Makui Ashang, a Nepali settlement along the route connecting the Liangmai-inhabited areas of Tamei Assembly Constituency with Senapati. Some people travelling with the group are also reported to be missing.
Initial reports have alleged that the attackers were armed Kuki militant groups. However, the identity of the attackers has not been independently established, and the incident had not been officially confirmed by police at the time of publication.
Ambush Location
The reported attack comes amid renewed tensions along the Kangpokpi-Senapati belt. The area has witnessed several incidents of violence in recent weeks, including attacks affecting Naga settlements.
On August 14, a suspected militant attack at Langka (Taniuluang), a Liangmai Naga village in Kangpokpi district, left two villagers dead and three others injured, according to reports.
Separately, violence was reported around Taphou in Senapati district earlier this week, where houses were damaged or burnt and a CRPF personnel was injured during subsequent firing. Security forces later conducted search operations in Taphou and surrounding areas.
The latest reported ambush is likely to further heighten concerns over civilian movement along roads linking Naga-inhabited areas with Senapati and neighbouring districts.
The reported killings could not be independently verified from an official police statement at the time of publication. The number of casualties, identities of those killed or missing, and circumstances surrounding the attack may change as authorities establish the facts.
Scene of the ambush where 2 Liangmai men were reportedly killed by Kuki militants
UPDATE at 12:50PM The attack reportedly took place at around 8:30 am on Thursday between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga, an area described as a vital lifeline for Naga communities living along the IT Road.
Local sources alleged that armed Kuki militants belonging to KNF (P), KNF and KRA, allegedly operating under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, identified in the statement as Home Secretary of KNF/UPF, carried out the attack.
Those identified among the victims are:
- Tadsongbou Ringkangmai - Founder and Principal, Right Path School, T. Khullen - killed.
- Mariakdibou Wijunamai - Executive Member, Makui Youth Club - killed.
- Japou MK - Student Leader, Thonglang Akutpa - killed.
- Anil Wijunamai - Executive Member, Makui Youth Club - killed.
- Gaikamang Ringkangmai - injured.
- Wisobou Charenamai - Chairman, Chawangkining Village Authority - missing. He was the former Vice-President of LNC.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of civilians travelling along the IT Road, particularly in areas connecting Naga-inhabited villages with Senapati.
Earlier reports had indicated four deaths, one injury and one missing person. The casualty figures in this update remain subject to official verification.
This is a developing story.
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