Ukhrul, Manipur | EKHON: Two innocent civilians traveling along the NH 202, near Yaolen Kuki village were brutally killed in an ambush by armed Kuki militants on Saturday afternoon.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned the deadly ambush on civilian vehicles by the Kuki armed militants using sophisticated weapons which left two Tangkhul Naga civilians dead and several others traumatized.
According to TNL, the attack occurred at approximately 2:35 PM when a convoy of six vehicles carrying passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, was traveling from Imphal to Ukhrul. The vehicles had reportedly crossed sensitive areas like Mahadev and Litan under security escort. However, the assault was launched shortly after the escort team turned back toward Litan.
TNL alleged that armed Kuki militants, including cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, targeted the convoy using snipers and long-range rifles. Four out of the six vehicles were hit in “premeditated and brutal” attack on unarmed civilians.
The victims have been identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45), son of a retired Indian Army personnel from Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum (42) from Kharasom CC village.
The organization expressed deep anguish and outrage, accusing Kuki militant groups of repeatedly targeting civilians in recent months across multiple locations, including Litan, Laho, Sinakeithei, Sikibung, and Thawai. It described the violence as “beyond human conscience and morality.”
TNL also sharply criticized both state and central security forces, alleging “apathetic silence” and failure to prevent militant activities. The group questioned whether the forces were ineffective or complicit, stating that their inaction has emboldened the attackers.
The incident comes just a day after Y. Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul and assured enhanced road security and escort arrangements along the highway. TNL said the attack undermines the credibility and authority of the state government and questioned ‘the power and the integrity of the State Government’.
In response, the organization has demanded immediate combing operations in Yaolen and nearby Kuki villages to apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence.
