Imphal: Unrest broke out on Sunday, March 29, in Manipur’s Ukhrul district after an enraged mob set fire to the Wung Tangkhul Region office of the NSCN-IM, following the killing of four members of the NSCN Eastern Flank in Kamjong district.
Residents reported that the office was attacked as locals held the group responsible for the earlier assault, raising concerns about public safety in both Ukhrul and Kamjong.
The violence comes after an evening ambush on Saturday at Hongbei village junction. The NSCN Eastern Flank said that four of its personnel were killed by armed individuals led by 2nd Lieutenant Mathotmi from Shihai Khunou village between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm on March 26.
According to the Eastern Flank, the team had traveled earlier to Kasom Khullen through Hongbei village to check timber transport and other activities along the Indo-Myanmar border. On their return, they were attacked by the armed group at the village junction.
The Eastern Flank claimed that the attackers, including 2nd Lieutenants Mathotmi and Starling, opened fire, killing four members on the spot while two managed to flee.
The NSCN-IM clarified it had no role in the Ukhrul attack. In a public note, the group said it was deeply upset by the deaths and clarified that no orders had been issued from its headquarters to target any other faction.
The organisation said it has begun an internal review to determine the facts and will take action against anyone found responsible according to its regulations. It also urged the public not to react to rumours or unverified messages circulating online.
Security forces are keeping a close watch as the situation continues to remain unstable in the region.