In an unprecedented attack on travelers that has escalated tensions in the conflict-ridden Ukhrul district, two Tangkhul Naga civilians—including a retired Indian Army soldier—were killed in a well-planned ambush by suspected Kuki militants along the National Highway-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul route) on Saturday afternoon.
The attack occurred near TM Kasom at around 2:35 pm, barely 24 hours after Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the district as part of the state government’s outreach programme and promised enhanced security measures on the highway.
The deceased have been identified as SW Chinaoshang (45), a retired cadre of the Naga Regiment from Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum (42) from Kharasom CC village. According to reports, both victims sustained fatal head wounds. Yaruingam, who was driving a car, died at the scene, while Chinaoshang succumbed to bullet injuries at Ukhrul District Hospital.
Security Lapses Blamed
The ambush highlights a critical breakdown in security protocols. On Saturday, a convoy of vehicles travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul had security escorts from Mahadev until Litan. However, shortly after the security escorts turned back from Litan, assailants opened indiscriminate fire from a western hilltop near the Patleijang Kuki hamlet, resulting in the death of the two travellers.
Sources report that at least six vehicles were also damaged in the attack. The hamlet area has reportedly been occupied by armed Kuki militants targeting commuters from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts since the outbreak of the conflict in February this year.
The bodies of the two victims were later brought to the Ukhrul District Hospital for necessary medical procedures including postmortem.
Community Leaders Condemn Attack
Sword Vashum, president of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), addressed the media at the district hospital, to express outrage over the killings and spell out community response. “Two heroes have fallen victim to the treacherous, most brutal, and most cowardly cold-blooded murder by the Kukis,” he stated.
Vashum announced that the Tangkhul Naga community would take a decisive step in response to the violence. He said the TNL will convene the General Assembly of the Tangkhul Naga Long and adopt a decisive resolution in response to what has befallen the civilians.
Denouncing the government’s failure to secure the highway despite repeated warnings, he blamed the inaction on the part of the government for the fatal attack resulting in the loss of two precious young lives.
CM Condemns
Following the incident, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand strongly condemned the brutal ambush that claimed the lives of two innocent Tangkhul Naga civilians.
In response, CM Khemchand assured to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a thorough probe. He said ex-gratia payments will be provided to the bereaved families, and security forces have launched operations to apprehend those responsible. The Chief Minister also extended his deepest condolences, sharing in the grief of the families during this difficult time.
TNL WC Issues Rebuke
On Saturday, the TNL Working Committee also released a statement expressing extreme fury over the attack, which they noted occurred near Yaolen Kuki village.
“The grave incident is beyond words for anyone to describe the savagery of the Kukis, who have gone beyond the limit of human conscience and morality,” the committee stated. They highlighted that this was not an isolated event, noting ongoing attacks on civilians in Litan, Laho, Sinakeithei, Sikibung, and Thawai since early February.
The committee noted that the convoy, which carried women, children, and ailing passengers, was hit by snipers and long-range rifles immediately after the escorts withdrew. They are demanding immediate combing operations in Yaolen and adjacent Kuki villages.
Posers Raised Over SF Competency
The TNL Working Committee raised serious concerns regarding security lapses, accusing state and central forces of an “apathetic silence” that they claim has emboldened militants.
“The inability of the security forces to comb out illegal militants and undertake area domination exercises begs the question on whether the security forces are incompetent or simply complicit with the Kuki militants,” the statement read, holding both state and central governments responsible for the deaths.
The committee further criticised the state government’s integrity, noting that the incident occurred despite the Chief Minister’s recent promise of Route Opening Patrols (RoP) and escorts. “The incident… clearly highlights the power and integrity of the state government into serious questions,” the statement rued.
