Imphal: A 17-year-old youth belonging to the Naga community was allegedly ambushed and killed on Monday morning in the Takou area under the Tamei Sub-Division of Manipur’s Tamenglong district, which shares borders with Nagaland.
The victim, identified as NK Wiphenbou, a resident of Takou village, was reportedly attacked at around 10:00 AM between Upper Takou and Malek village while returning to his school.
Naga village volunteers later discovered his body along a narrow pathway. Reports indicate the youth was killed under duress, though the exact motive and circumstances surrounding the incident remain unconfirmed.
Sources attribute the ambush to cadres of the Kuki National Front (P), Kuki National Front (N), and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA). The armed group was reportedly operating under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, a commander of the KNF/UPF.
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) issued a press statement condemning the killing and describing it as an act of terrorism.
The council alleged that the involved outfits, despite being signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, continue to engage in terror and narco-terrorism.
The JTC urged both the state and central governments to condemn the murder, initiate action against the perpetrators, ensure justice for the victim, and enhance security for Naga villages.
The allegations levelled by the JTC have not been independently verified, and further details are awaited.