Four Naga civilians killed in ambush in Manipur, security forces recover bodies

The bodies of four Naga civilians killed in an ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district were recovered on Friday, a day after the attack, officials said.

The four were killed and another person injured when armed assailants opened fire on a vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages around 8.30 am on Thursday.

One of those killed was the principal of a private school.

Security forces attempted to retrieve the bodies on Thursday evening but could not reach the site due to an alleged blockade and disruptions at a village along the route, officials said.

A security team comprising state police personnel reached the ambush site on Friday morning and recovered the bodies. They were being taken to the Senapati district headquarters, officials said.

A large number of people gathered at Senapati on Thursday night and staged a protest, demanding that the bodies be brought to the Naga-majority district.

Later, village volunteers fired several rounds in the air as a mark of respect when the bodies reached Thonglang Atongba in Kangpokpi district.

Following the attack, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting and directed security forces to identify and arrest those responsible.

The United Naga Council, the apex Naga body in Manipur, accused the Kuki National Front (P) and Kuki Revolutionary Army of involvement in the ambush. The allegation has not been independently verified.

The deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of a private school; M Wijunamai; Anil Wijunamai; and Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority.

The injured person was identified as Gaikamang Ringkangmai.

All five victims belong to the Liangmai Naga community.