Imphal: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex civil body of the Tangkhul Naga community, has issued a 12-hour ultimatum demanding the handover of suspects allegedly involved in the killing of four Naga Army personnel in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
The ultimatum, effective from 2:00 PM on Monday, followed a joint meeting of Tangkhul civil organisations convened under the TNL. The body has demanded that two suspects—identified as Athot of Sihai Khunou village and Star of Lairam Khullen, be produced before it “alive and in sound health.” It warned that failure to comply would lead to non-cooperation from the Tangkhul community towards the Wung Tangkhul Region.
Tensions escalated after an angry mob set fire to the office of the Wung Tangkhul Region of the NSCN-IM, in apparent retaliation for the killing of four cadres belonging to the Eastern Flank of the Naga Army.
The incident has plunged the Tangkhul Naga region into grief and uncertainty, with families of the deceased refusing to conduct last rites amid demands for justice.
The four personnel, affiliated with the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim/National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Isak-Muivah (GPRN/NSCN-IM), were killed on Saturday night in Kasom Khullen block of Kamjong district. They have been identified as Major Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Major Zairay Vasah, Sergeant Bahnlei Ahahpya, and Sergeant Thansomi Washi.
In a statement, the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the GPRN/NSCN-IM expressed shock over the incident at Hongbei village, stating that no directive had been issued to launch any offensive at this “critical juncture.” The organisation said an internal investigation is underway and assured that those responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the Naga Army Rules and Regulations.
Separately, the GPRN Eastern Flank Naga Army issued a condolence message, expressing grief over the loss of its cadres. The statement, signed by Lieutenant General A Raman-MM, alleged that the ambush was carried out by individuals led by a 2nd Lieutenant from Sihai Khunou village on the night of March 28 at Hongbei village junction.
The developments underscore rising tensions in the region, even as calls grow for restraint and accountability to prevent further escalation.