Tragic Attack Claims Lives of Five Naga Civilians in Manipur

In a tragic incident that has heightened tensions in Manipur, five Naga civilians lost their lives, and one other sustained injuries following an attack by suspected Kuki armed groups. The incident unfolded on Thursday along the Imphal-Tamei road, specifically between the Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga regions, as reported by local police.

The conflict-ridden state has been grappling with ethnic violence for several months, and this latest attack is seen as yet another escalation in the ongoing strife between the Naga and Kuki communities. Naga leader Wilubao Newmai has alleged that armed militants from the Kuki faction were responsible for the assault on the civilians. This claim aggravates an already fraught atmosphere in the region, which has seen a series of violent clashes.

In response to the attack, the Naga People’s Organisation, a prominent civil society group, has called for a shutdown in the Senapati district headquarters as a form of protest against the killings. This measure underscores the community’s outrage and the severity of the situation. Just two weeks earlier, two Naga individuals were killed in a similar incident, which involved gunfire from suspected militants in the Kangpokpi area. Such repeated instances of violence have led to growing fears among residents.

The Liangmai Naga Council-Manipur has also condemned these attacks, alleging that militants affiliated with the Kuki National Front (P) were behind them. The council has taken a stand by announcing an indefinite shutdown of areas inhabited by the Liangmai Naga community, a move aimed at demonstrating solidarity and raising awareness about the ongoing violence.

Tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities have been escalating since February 2023, following an alleged altercation involving members from both groups in the Ukhrul district. Since then, over 30 individuals from both communities have reportedly lost their lives due to the ethnic clashes that reignited in May. The complex web of historical grievances and territorial disputes has only exacerbated the situation, making it a pressing concern for local authorities and the state government.

Source: scroll.in