Imphal: Two Naga farmers were killed and at least two others seriously wounded in a brutal ambush at Langka Naga village in Kangpokpi district. The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. on August 14. Victims Wirihangbou Chawang, 35, and Kawidinang Abonmai, 54, died at the scene. Maliangjinang Abonmai, 50, and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 45, suffered severe injuries.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) blamed the violence on armed Kuki cadres. They alleged the ambush was led by KNF leader Jangboi Kipgen and included KRA fighters. The TNL described the event as a “brutal attack” on innocent civilians. This group also linked the ambush to the August 10 burning of abandoned homes at Kailenjang.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) joined the condemnation, identifying the victims as Liyangmai civilians and citing a total of three injured individuals. They demanded immediate action against those they labeled Kuki narco-terrorists. COCOMI noted that violence has persisted since May 3, 2023, and highlighted the unsolved murders of six Liyangmai civilians from this past June.
The TNL questioned how groups under the Suspension of Operations agreement with the Indian government could carry out such assaults. They noted that Naga volunteers have held back to protect their communities despite rising tensions. Both organizations are now demanding that state and central governments hold the perpetrators accountable for arson, extortion, and murder.
Updated at 17th August 2026 at 1:49pm
The United Naga Council enforced a total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas in response to the killings in Langka and Makhui villages. Backed by the All Naga Students Association Manipur and the Naga People's Organization, the protest shuttered businesses and cleared roads until 11 p.m. on August 15. Authorities reported no violence during the emergency measure.
COCOMI hit out at the state government, claiming recent peace-building efforts by officials like Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh have been ineffective. The group suggested the prolonged state of violence implies the state is operating under a proxy war mandate from the Centre, a charge they claim leadership has refused to publicly reject. They warned that history will judge elected officials harshly for the ongoing failure to protect citizens and secure the state.
Updated at 17th August 2026 at 6:00pm
The Kuki National Front (KNF) has fired back at the allegations, labeling them completely baseless and devoid of truth. The outfit flatly denied that its Home Secretary, Jangboi Kipgen, or any of its fighters played a role in the Langka bloodshed. They argue that outside parties are dragging their leadership into the narrative to smear the organization's reputation and push a political agenda.
In a formal statement, the KNF claimed that the public finger-pointing is fueled by misinformation and propaganda. They warned that using the deaths of civilians to settle scores or manufacture narratives is dangerous and damages the fragile state of communal peace. The group insisted that any claims of their involvement must be backed by concrete evidence rather than speculation.
Updated at 17th August 2026 at 9:50pm
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) stated that the latest attack occurred as Naga village volunteers remained committed to a policy of restraint. The organization explicitly tied the assault to the failure of the government to address the presence of what it terms illegal migrants, claiming these groups are actively contributing to the state's growing insecurity.
The Kuki National Front (KNF) emphasized that its leadership and cadre remain under investigation regarding the incident. The outfit cautioned that airing unsubstantiated claims could irreparably damage communal harmony and deepen the existing divide between local groups.
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