SENAPATI, Sept 26: Two Naga civilians were killed and two others critically injured in an armed attack at Kalenjang, near Taphou Naga village in Senapati district, on Saturday afternoon, according to the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM).
In a press communique issued on September 26, ANSAM said the incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on the day Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was visiting Senapati district to attend the Silver Jubilee celebration of Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, as Chief Guest. The organisation alleged that the attack was carried out by Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement with the Government of India. The allegation has not been independently verified.
ANSAM identified the deceased as Rocky Mao of Chowainamei village and Kumar Poumai of Laii Shirafii village. The two injured, identified as Ashiho Sani and Adani Manio, were reported to have survived the attack with injuries.
The incident comes a day after four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed at Pilong in Kamjong district. Police and media reports have reported the Pilong killings and said security agencies were investigating the circumstances and those responsible.
According to ANSAM, the Senapati attack occurred on the same day the United Naga Council lifted its economic blockade following the Pilong killings.
Condemning the latest incident, ANSAM called for immediate government intervention and an independent investigation into the attack. It demanded that those responsible be identified and prosecuted and that effective measures be taken to ensure the safety and security of Naga civilians.
“No political grievance can ever justify the taking of innocent civilian lives,” the organisation said, stressing that the restraint of the Naga people should not be mistaken for weakness and that its pursuit of peace should not be interpreted as acceptance of impunity.
ANSAM expressed solidarity with the bereaved families as well as the Mao and Poumai communities and conveyed condolences to the families of the two deceased civilians. It also prayed for the speedy recovery of the two injured persons.
The latest incident has added to concerns over civilian security in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, following the recent killings in Kamjong and the subsequent tensions in the region.
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