Two individuals from the Naga community were fatally shot on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway in Manipur. The victims were identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, aged 45, and Yaruingam Vashum, aged 42. Security forces have been deployed to the area to track down the assailants.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long strongly condemned the attack on civilians near Yaolen Kuki village. Allegedly, the assault was carried out by Kuki cadres who are part of a government pact. The Tangkhul Naga Long reported that both victims died at the scene.
The convoy, transporting passengers from Imphal to Ukhrul, was targeted by militants after passing through several villages with security escorts. The Tangkhul Naga Long accused Kuki militants of using snipers and sophisticated weapons in the attack. The organization criticized the inaction of security forces, claiming it has encouraged such assaults.
The incident occurred shortly after the Chief Minister’s visit to Ukhrul, where assurances were made for enhanced security measures. The Tangkhul Naga Long demanded immediate combing operations in the affected areas. The Kuki-Zo Council denied any involvement of Kuki-Zo individuals in the incident, attributing it to internal factional tensions.
