Four Naga civilians were killed and another injured in a Kangpokpi ambush, prompting shutdown and one-day Genna across Naga areas
IMPHAL — Four members of the Naga community were killed and another injured when armed militants ambushed their vehicle in an isolated stretch of Kangpokpi district in Manipur on Thursday, triggering a shutdown in Senapati and a one-day Genna in Naga areas.
The incident occurred around 8.30 am between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga along the IT Road, officials said.
The victims were travelling in a Mahindra Bolero pick-up when the vehicle came under attack, killing four persons on the spot, according to officials. All five victims belong to the Liangmai Naga community.
The deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of a private school; M Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both executives of Makui Youth Club; and Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority.
The injured person was identified as Gaikamang Ringkangmai. The bodies were being brought to Senapati district hospital. The IT Road is an important link for Naga communities in the area.
Following the killings, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) called for closure of shops and business establishments at Senapati district headquarters in protest and mourning.
Also read: Fresh violence in Manipur’s Senapati leaves CRPF personnel injured, disrupts NH-2
The incident came a day after a high-level meeting at Senapati district headquarters, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, to review the security situation and discuss measures to promote peace and stability.
The meeting was attended by representatives of United Naga Council (UNC), MLA T Robindro of Thanga Assembly constituency and DGP Manipur Mukesh, among others.
Meanwhile, the UNC condemned the killings and demanded immediate intervention by the authorities, arrest of the perpetrators and a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident.
The UNC also announced a one-day Genna from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday, August 28, across Naga areas and district headquarters. During the period, vehicular movement, shops and business establishments, government offices, and private and government institutions will remain closed, except for emergency services and board/common examinations.
CM orders action
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting at the CM’s Secretariat in Imphal on Thursday evening following the killings.
The government condemned the incident and the chief minister directed security officials to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
The meeting also decided to take stringent action against individuals, irrespective of community, found in possession of illegal arms and weapons.
It further decided that cadres of outfits under Suspension of Operations or engaged in peace talks with the government would face action if found carrying weapons outside their designated camps.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, chief secretary, security adviser, DGP, joint secretary (NE) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, ADGP (Intelligence/Law & Order), home commissioner, IGs of central forces and other security officials.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho also condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the bereaved families, saying the violence posed a grave threat to efforts towards peace and normalcy in the state.
The deputy chief minister urged all sections of society to reject violence and not allow the incident to deepen existing divisions.
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