Imphal, May 26: The Western Command of the Naga Village Guard (WC-NVG) has strongly condemned an alleged armed attack on innocent civilians at Goitang (Nungadang) Village under Khoupum Sub-Division in Noney district, Manipur, reportedly carried out by suspected illegal Kuki militants on Monday morning. In a statement issued on May 26, the WC-NVG described the incident as a “heinous and cowardly armed assault” on unarmed villagers, claiming the attack took place at around 9:00 AM while local residents were engaged in their daily activities. According to the statement, three civilians were allegedly targeted during the incident. The victims were identified as Shri Kagundai Riamei (about 60 years old), Smt. Lungdailu Riamei (about 55 years old), wife of Kagundai Riamei, and Shri Gailatou Riamei (about 35 years old), son of Kagundai Riamei.

The WC-NVG alleged that armed militants opened fire using automatic weapons on the civilians, terming the incident a “deliberate and savage act” against innocent villagers. The organisation further claimed that such repeated attacks against peace-loving people had created fear and insecurity in the region. The statement further asserted that village guards acted swiftly following the incident and reportedly confronted the attackers, managing to rescue the three targeted civilians. The Western Command praised the courage and bravery of the combined village guard personnel for their prompt response. Expressing concern over the recurring incidents, the WC-NVG alleged that the attack formed part of a larger offensive against Naga communities in the Zeliangrong region, and warned that any further aggression would be met with “decisive and resolute resistance.” The statement, issued through the Media Cell of the Western Command, Naga Village Guard (WC-NVG), reiterated its condemnation and called attention to the security concerns faced by villagers in the region.