Tamenglong, September 21, 2026: The United Naga Council (UNC) and the Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM) have condemned the reported killing of 17-year-old N.K. Wiphenbou, a Liangmai Naga student from Upper Takou Village in Tamenglong district.
Wiphenbou was reportedly shot dead on Monday morning while travelling in the Upper Takou–Malek (Tamah) area under Tamei Sub-Division. Police and local sources said the incident took place at around 10–10:30 a.m., and his body was later found by local villagers. The circumstances of the killing and the identity of those responsible remain under investigation.
In a condemnation letter issued on September 21, the WC-JTCM identified the deceased as N.K. Wiphenbou, son of N.K. Maihinlakbou, and alleged that the attack was carried out by cadres of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), KNF (P) and KNF (N) and allied groups. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The WC-JTCM demanded immediate action by the state and Central governments, justice for the victim and enhanced security for Liangmai Naga villages and other vulnerable Naga settlements. It also questioned the continuation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement in the event of alleged violations by armed groups covered under the pact.
Separately, the UNC, in a statement issued through its Information and Publicity Secretary H. James Hau, strongly condemned the killing and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. The Council also raised concern over reported killings, house burnings and firing incidents affecting Naga villages along the IT Road in Kangpokpi.
The UNC alleged that the continuing violence reflected a wider security failure and called upon the government to ensure the protection of Naga civilians and communities. The Council further urged Nagas to remain vigilant and united amid the prevailing security situation.
Both organisations have demanded accountability for the killing and called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of civilians in vulnerable areas.
The incident has added to continuing tensions in parts of Manipur, with authorities yet to provide a detailed public account of the investigation.
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