EKHON
IMPHAL/UKHRUL, November 13, 2026: Four civilians, including two women and two men, were killed in an ambush by suspected Kuki armed militants along National Highway 202 (NH-202), just above New Heaven on the Imphal–Ukhrul road, in another deadly attack that has intensified fears over civilian safety in the region.
The victims were travelling in two separate vehicles when armed assailants allegedly opened fire. Among the deceased were a mother and son, and a brother and sister. The victims have been identified as Kapangkhui Raihing and Haoreila Raihing of Shangshak village, and August Ngalung and Khanmila Ngalung of Tashar village.
The killings come shortly after a farmer, identified as Newton Mahung, was reportedly shot and injured while harvesting his paddy at Sinakeithei village. The incident has further heightened concerns among villagers who have repeatedly sought security protection for farmers working in vulnerable areas.
The latest ambush cannot be viewed in isolation. NH-202 has witnessed repeated attacks on civilians and security personnel since the escalation of Naga–Kuki tensions in February 2026.
On April 18, two Tangkhul Naga civilians, including a retired Indian Army personnel, were reportedly killed in an ambush near TM Kasom, with several passengers injured.
On April 24, a police team also came under attack along the highway. On May 29, a truck driver, Nitish Kumar Das of West Bengal, was killed when an FCI rice convoy came under armed attack, while a Manipur Police personnel was reportedly injured.
More recently, on November 4, passenger taxis and other vehicles travelling towards Ukhrul reportedly came under gunfire near TM Kasom Industrial Estate. Although no casualties were reported, the incident renewed concerns about the safety of commuters even when travelling under security escort.
58 FIRs, substantial deployment, but where is the protection?
The security situation along the highway is particularly concerning given the scale of incidents already documented. According to a Manipur Police status report submitted to the High Court in August 2026, 58 FIRs had been registered in connection with incidents along the NH-202 corridor under Litan Police Station since February 8, 2026.
The police also informed the Court of substantial security deployment, including two CRPF companies, nine BSF companies, eight Army/Assam Rifles columns, Manipur Rifles personnel and regular police forces. Their responsibilities reportedly included road-opening operations, area domination and convoy escorts. Yet, repeated attacks continue to expose the vulnerability of civilians.
If such a substantial security presence exists, how are armed assailants repeatedly able to target civilian vehicles and farmers? Are intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordination between security agencies adequate? Are convoy escorts and preventive measures genuinely effective?
The disclosure of 58 FIRs is more than a statistic. It reflects the prolonged insecurity faced by people who depend on this highway for education, healthcare, livelihood, trade and essential supplies.
New Heaven and the unanswered security questions
New Heaven has itself been at the centre of security-related controversy. In June 2026, protests erupted after Tangkhul Naga villagers objected to the establishment of an Assam Rifles outpost, alleging inadequate consultation with the concerned village authority. The confrontation reportedly left civilians injured.
The latest killings near this sensitive stretch make a comprehensive review of security arrangements even more urgent. The most disturbing question from the public is, “Where are our defenders, and what happened to our security preparedness?” The location is surrounded by Tangkhul Naga villages, and the highway has already witnessed repeated attacks. The authorities cannot treat these security vulnerabilities as unforeseen.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over armed movements, firing incidents and the vulnerability of commuters. Farmers have sought protection, passengers have travelled under security escorts, and civil society organisations have demanded safe movement. Yet, the bloodshed continues.
The state government, district administration and security agencies must explain what went wrong and whether prior intelligence or security warnings were available before the latest attack. An impartial investigation, a comprehensive security review of the vulnerable stretches between Litan, New Heaven and TM Kasom, stronger intelligence gathering, effective convoy protection and security for farmers must become immediate priorities.
The identities of the perpetrators must be established through credible investigation, and those responsible must be brought to justice. No community should be collectively blamed for the actions of armed individuals or organisations.
How many more innocent lives must be lost?
The deaths of four civilians are not merely another incident in Manipur’s continuing violence. They represent the destruction of families and the erosion of the most basic right to travel and work without fear. A public highway cannot become a killing ground. Farmers cannot be forced to risk their lives to harvest their own crops, and ordinary families cannot continue wondering whether they will return home safely.
The authorities owe the people clear answers, effective protection and accountability for any established security failures. How many more innocent civilians must die before the safety of NH-202 becomes an unquestionable priority?
