Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killing of two civilians and the injuring of two others by unidentified militants at Kalajan village in Senapati district on September 26.
The Chief Minister said the two injured individuals had been evacuated to a hospital in Senapati for medical treatment. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) condemned the killings and demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, which occurred near Taphou Naga village.
The deceased were identified by police and local reports as Rocky Mao of Chowainamei village and Kumar Poumai of Laii Shirafii village.
ANSAM alleged that the attack was carried out by armed Kuki groups operating under the active Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Central Government. These claims remain independently unverified.
In a separate statement, Kailenjang village chief Lhingjahoi Hangshing expressed grief over the civilian deaths. She said she and her villagers had previously evacuated the settlement due to ongoing regional tensions, leaving the village in the care of close friends from the non-Kuki-Zo community during her absence.
Hangshing also condemned the loss of civilian lives and a subsequent attempted arson attack on the abandoned village by members of a neighbouring community.