Manipur: Two Naga civilians killed in armed attack in Kangpokpi

Two Naga civilians were killed and three others injured during an attack in Langka Naga village, located in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The incident occurred on Friday morning when a group of men armed with sophisticated weapons opened fire on the village.

Identified victims include Wiriliangbou Chawang, who died at the scene from gunshot wounds to the head, and Kawidinang Abonmai, who succumbed to injuries during transport to a hospital. Two other injured individuals, Maliangjinang Abonmai and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, were airlifted by the Army to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment.

The Liangmai Naga Council-Manipur (LNC-M) and the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) have blamed the attack on suspected cadres of the Kuki National Front (P). In response, the LNC-M has declared a total emergency shutdown of Liangmai Naga-inhabited areas, suspending shops and non-essential activities while exempting emergency services.

Local leaders have raised concerns regarding security lapses, questioning how a large group of armed militants could move through the area undetected by nearby security outposts. This latest violence occurs amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the region that have resulted in significant casualties and displacement since 2023.