Imphal/Ukhrul: The Manipur government has decided to hand over the T M Kasom village ambush case in Ukhrul district to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure transparency and accountability.
Three members of the Tangkhul Naga community were killed in the ambush, allegedly carried out by armed Kuki militants at T M Kasom village on Saturday. Officials said the death toll rose to three by late afternoon. The bodies of two victims have been kept at the mortuary of Ukhrul District Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric. In a Facebook post, he said, “I strongly condemn the killing of innocent civilians in an attack by militants at T M Kasom village in Ukhrul district around 2:30 pm today.”
He added that the government had decided to transfer the case to the NIA. Ex gratia compensation would be provided to the families of two identified victims — Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, a retired personnel of the Naga Regiment from Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum of Kharasom CV village.
“Security forces have launched an operation to apprehend those responsible for the attack. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and share their grief in this hour,” he stated.
In a separate post on X, Singh said he was deeply disturbed by the incident, which claimed the lives of a retired soldier and a civilian. He called for a decisive and coordinated crackdown on those responsible, with accountability ensured at every level.
He also stressed that safeguarding innocent civilians and restoring public confidence must remain central to all actions taken by the authorities.