Imphal: The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has announced an immediate total shutdown of shops, commercial enterprises and business establishments across Manipur’s Senapati district headquarters town following the killing of four Naga civilians in an alleged ambush along the IT Road in neighbouring Kangpokpi district on Thursday.
The shutdown was announced in protest against what the NPO described as the targeted execution of the four community members. The closure has brought commercial activity in the district headquarters town to a standstill.
The development follows Thursday morning’s attack between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga along the IT Road, where armed miscreants allegedly ambushed Naga civilians. At least four people were killed, one was injured and another was reported missing, according to sources.
High alert and heavy security deployments have reportedly been put in place across Kangpokpi, Senapati and adjoining areas amid concerns over further communal tension.
Thursday’s incident comes 106 days after the abduction and subsequent killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians following the May 13 violence in Kangpokpi district.
Civil society organisations have expressed concern over repeated security failures to protect unarmed commuters and villagers travelling along hill roads such as the IT Road.
Local authorities and law enforcement agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the identities of those responsible for Thursday’s attack. Further details on the investigation and combing operations are awaited.