Imphal: Two men belonging to Tangkhul Naga community were killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants, in a fresh escalation of ethnic violence in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, reports said on Saturday.
The victims were travelling in two sepertae vehicles when the incident took place.
The attack took place near T.M. Kasom village along National Highway 202 (Imphal-Ukhrul road) at around 2:35 pm. At least three other vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
The deceased were identified as S.W. Chinaoshang, a resident of Tashar village in Ukhrul district, and Yaruingam Vashum, also from the district. One of the victims was reportedly an ex-serviceman.
Following the incident, central security forces and state police rushed to the area. Officials said further action was underway.
The ambush came a day after an unexploded “pumpi” shell was recovered in Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul district late Friday night after it allegedly landed during an attack. The incident occurred on the same day that Y. Khemchand Singh made his maiden road visit to Ukhrul headquarters.
The shell reportedly landed at around 10:30 pm near a residential area in Sinakeithei, a Tangkhul Naga village. It failed to explode, preventing possible casualties and damage to nearby homes.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council, the apex body representing Nagas in Manipur, reiterated its commitment to peace and coexistence with all communities, but warned that continued misinterpretation of its neutrality as weakness could force Nagas to act in self-defence.
UNC president Ng. Lorho said, “We seek peaceful coexistence with all communities. However, if our neutral stance is mistaken for weakness, then we will be compelled to defend our people and protect our land.”