Manipur Bloodshed: 4 Naga Civilians Killed, One Missing Along IT Road
Fresh Manipur Violence 4 Naga Civilians Shot Dead Along IT Road (Image special arrangement)
By NIRENDRA DEV
Four Naga civilians were killed, one injured and another reported missing after suspected Kuki armed groups allegedly attacked civilians along the Imphal-Tamei Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, triggering fresh anger and tension in the region.
New Delhi, August 27, 2026 — The spree of violence in Manipur continued on Thursday morning with the killing of four Naga civilians along the Imphal-Tamei (IT) Road, while one person was injured and another remained missing, according to local reports.
The incident took place at around 8:30 a.m. between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga under Kangpokpi police station.
The victims were reportedly attacked by suspected Kuki armed groups while travelling along the IT Road. All four civilians were understood to have been shot at close range and killed at the spot.
The killings have triggered anger and tension in parts of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, as well as surrounding areas.
Four civilians killed, one injured and one missing
The victims have been identified as:
- Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen.
- Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club.
- Japou MK, student leader, Thonglang Akutpa.
- Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured in the attack, while Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority, was reported missing.
The incident has added to growing concerns over the vulnerability of civilians travelling through the conflict-affected areas of Manipur.
NPO calls shutdown in Senapati
Following the killings, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) called for an immediate shutdown of shops and business establishments in Senapati district headquarters.
The shutdown call was issued in protest against the killing of the four Naga civilians along the IT Road.
The latest killings have also brought back memories of the May violence in Kangpokpi district, when six Liangmai Naga civilians were abducted and subsequently killed, according to the account provided by local organisations.
The latest incident occurred 106 days after those killings, further deepening apprehension among Naga communities in the region.
Violence comes as Manipur government seeks Centre’s intervention
The latest violence occurred only hours after Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khamchand Singh met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and invited him to visit the state.
After the meeting, the chief minister said on X that the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues concerning Manipur.
“The Home Minister assured me that the Central Government will fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the people of the State,” Khamchand said.
He also said he had invited Shah to visit Manipur in the first week of October to lay the foundation stone for the new Senapati Medical College, and that the Union home minister had agreed to the visit.
Khamchand further said Shah had given a “patient hearing” to issues concerning the state and praised the state government for resuming the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service and ensuring free movement along National Highway-2.
The fresh killings, however, underscore the fragile security situation on the ground despite efforts by the state and central governments to restore normalcy and connectivity.
A setback for the BJP-led government
The violence represents a serious political and security challenge for the BJP-led Manipur government, particularly at a time when efforts are underway to restore confidence and normal movement across the state.
Manipur has remained deeply divided since the outbreak of ethnic violence, with security and civilian movement continuing to be major concerns.
The killing of four civilians along a key road corridor is likely to intensify questions over the government’s ability to protect civilians and maintain security in vulnerable areas.
It also comes at a politically sensitive moment, with Manipur expected to go to the polls by March next year, alongside Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa.
For the people living in the conflict-affected districts, however, the immediate concern is more fundamental: the continuing threat to civilian life.
The latest killings underline that despite claims of improved connectivity and movement, peace and security remain fragile in Manipur.
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