4 Nagas killed in sniper attack on Manipur NH

Four Tangkhul Naga civilians were shot dead on Friday in a suspected sniper strike by armed men who ambushed two vehicles on NH-202 in Manipur's Ukhrul, the native district of NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th Muivah. The victims included an elderly woman and her son, and two brothers.

The killings came a day after a 42-year-old Kuki woman working in a paddy field along the Senapati-Kangpokpi border was killed in crossfire between gunmen from her community and suspected Naga militants and two men injured. Hours later, a Naga man was wounded in firing by suspected Kuki assailants in Ukhrul.

A 48-hour shutdown enforced by Kuki body Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) was underway in Kangpokpi against the woman's killing.

Friday's ambush, where four Tangkhul Naga civilians were shot dead, took place at New Heaven, along the highway connecting Imphal with Ukhrul, before the victims reached Litan to join a govt-provided security escort. Travel along the Imphal-Ukhrul route requires civilians to join security convoys through a 20km sensitive stretch. It was the second attack at the same location since April 18 when two Naga civilians were killed.

The deceased in Friday's strike were identified as Kapangkhui Raihing and her son Haoleila Raihing, and siblings August Ngalung and Khanmila Ngalung. The Raihings were in one car and the Ngalungs in another.

Manipur Police said the attack was carried out by "unknown armed miscreants" and that all four victims suffered fatal bullet injuries, dying on the spot. "Additional security forces comprising Manipur Police, BSF, Army and Assam Rifles have been rushed to the area to reinforce security. Search operations have been launched in and around the area of the incident to trace and apprehend those involved," the police said in a statement.

The latest attack triggered competing allegations and demands. Indigenous People's Forum alleged that the highway ambush was part of a continuing "war against indigenous people of Manipur" by "Kuki narco-terrorist elements". The forum sought an impartial probe into the ambush, including into possible collusion by security forces or negligence.

Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, condemned the attack but denied any community involvement. It warned against collective blame and selective operations in Kuki-Zo areas while demanding time-bound investigations and equal security for all communities. The committee also sought scrutiny of escort arrangements and possible links to a wider conflict involving NSCN factions.

Congress legislature party chief Keisham Meghachandra questioned BJP govt's accountability, saying five people had been killed in 24 hours. Meghachandra also condemned the killings of both Kuki and Naga civilians and said peace could not be achieved without justice and a roadmap to end the conflict.

At least 66 people have been killed in Kuki-Naga clashes since Feb. The separate Meitei-Kuki conflict has claimed more than 300 lives since May 2023, including four this year.