A shutdown was observed across Manipur’s Naga areas on Friday to pay homage to four Naga civilians killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district on Thursday. The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga organisation in the state, had called for a one-day “Genna”, a period of community observance and worship, following the incident.
AC Thotso, secretary of the UNC’s Working Committee, said all Naga areas, including towns and district headquarters, remained closed. The mortal remains of the four victims were taken to Senapati for post-mortem examinations after security forces retrieved them on Friday morning.
The victims were travelling from Makui village towards Senapati when they came under attack at a location between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages along the IT Road in Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. One person injured in the attack was admitted to a hospital in Senapati, while a student leader who had been reported missing after the incident later reached safety.
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The UNC has demanded that those responsible for the attack be identified and brought to justice at the earliest. The organisation has also sought the formation of a special investigation team to conduct a detailed probe into the incident. A condolence service is scheduled to be held in Senapati on Saturday, followed by the last rites of the victims.
The shutdown came amid continuing efforts to restore stability in Manipur, which has faced prolonged tensions between different communities since violence erupted in May 2023. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday called for sustained and collective efforts from all sections of society to address the prevailing trust deficit and work towards lasting peace.
Singh recalled that before the violence began in 2023, he had regularly travelled through the hill areas and witnessed cooperation and harmony among different communities. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and other security forces in protecting lives during the crisis, while noting that members of different communities had also helped one another during difficult periods.
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