Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) enforced a 24-hour emergency shutdown across all Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur from 11 pm on August 14, Naga Independence Day, to 11 pm on August 15, 2026.
The shutdown is in protest against the fatal shooting of two Naga villagers in Langka village, Kangpokpi district, allegedly by Kuki National Front (KNF-P) militants.
The UNC described the incident as a barbaric and calculated assault allegedly carried out by KNF-P militants.
All commercial establishments, shops, private offices and educational institutions remained closed. Essential services, including medical care, fire response and authorised emergency operations, were exempted.
The UNC urged residents to maintain calm and cooperate peacefully while demanding impartial and swift legal action against the attackers.
The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) in Senapati endorsed the shutdown, calling the killings a direct assault on the dignity and safety of the Naga community.
The UNC also cited what it described as a pattern of provocation and arson in the region. It referred to an August 10 attack in Tokpa Naga village that gutted at least 10 houses, as well as concerns over the Kailenjang incident and alleged security blockades intended to spread fear.
The council said targeting civilians on Naga Independence Day amounted to a direct challenge to Naga identity, safety and the right to self-determination.
In the August 14 attack, Wiriliangbou Chawang, 35, died on the spot from gunshot wounds. Kawidinang Abonmai, 54, died from severe abdominal injuries while being taken to a hospital. Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 45, suffered a groin injury, while Maliangjinang Abonmai, 50, sustained severe injuries to his chest and arm.