Four Naga Villagers Killed in Cross-Border Attack in Kamjong

UKHRUL, Sept 25: Four Naga villagers were killed in a cross-border attack at Pilong, a hamlet under Kangpat Khullen in Manipur’s Kamjong district, near Border Pillar No. 92, on September 24, according to the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL).

In a press communiqué issued on September 24, the TNL alleged that a heavily armed group crossed the Namya River from Phailen Kuki village in Myanmar and attacked civilians at Pilong at around 1:30 p.m.

The TNL said two residents were shot dead near the village, while two others were allegedly taken across to neighbouring Phailen and killed. The deceased were identified as Betterson Jajo of Kangpat Khunou; Vareishim Jajo and Phami Jajo, a father-son duo from Kangpat Khullen; and Ningthem Kashak of Zingsui village.

According to the communiqué, five civilians were present at the Pilong settlement when the incident occurred. One resident managed to escape and was rescued by Tangkhul civil society organisations at around 9:45 p.m. The survivor was identified as Akhan Kaping, a native of Hunphun village in Ukhrul district.

The TNL alleged that the attack was carried out by cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and other armed elements it described as being backed by the People’s Defence Force (PDF), an armed outfit based in Myanmar. These allegations have been made by the TNL in its communiqué and are not independently verified in the document.

The organisation described the incident as the third reported episode of cross-border violence affecting Naga villagers along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong district this year. It cited earlier incidents in Z Choro, Wanglee and Namlee on May 7, and in Huimin Thana and Kherongram under Nambisa village on July 1.

The TNL also criticised the State government and border security forces, including the Assam Rifles, alleging that repeated warnings from Naga civil society organisations had not resulted in adequate protection for vulnerable border settlements. The organisation held the government responsible for what it described as the cross-border violence and killings at Pilong.

The killings have renewed concerns over the security of civilian settlements along the remote Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong, where residents remain exposed to armed incursions and violence.