TM Kasom Ambush Triggers Widespread Condemnation; Three-Day Shutdown Called Across Naga Areas

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IMPHAL – The ambush and killing of two Naga civilians on National Highway-202 at TM Kasom village in Ukhrul district on April 18 has triggered a wave of condemnation from across civil society, student bodies, women’s organisations, and political leaders.

The United Naga Council (UNC) convened a Joint Emergency Meeting on April 19 at its office in Tahamzam, in the presence of ANSAM, the Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and District Apex Bodies, to deliberate on the situation. The meeting vehemently condemned the attack, describing it as a premeditated assault on unarmed civilians travelling on a public highway and a direct challenge to the collective security and dignity of the Naga people. Naga leaders observed a minute of silence led by Thamdok Francis, President of CNPO, to condole the deaths.

A candlelight vigil will also be held on April 23 at 6:30 PM at all Naga district headquarters and at Imphal. Additionally, all social and economic ties between Nagas and Kukis in the state will be suspended during the three days of mourning, in accordance with Naga customary practice.

Two Killed by Kuki Militants Near TM Kasom; Bodies Brought to District Hospital, Several Injured. https://t.co/KAZKKBTpTu pic.twitter.com/fYfl4N5BzI

— Tangkhul Express TV (@TangkhulExpress) April 18, 2026

The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) issued a strong condemnatory statement, calling the ambush “a coldly premeditated assault on defenceless civilians that imperils the fabric of peace and inter-communal harmony.” ANSAM questioned the inertia of security forces stationed near the site of the attack, saying that the incident occurring within a negligible radius of their deployment raises serious questions about operational vigilance and administrative efficacy.

ANSAM demanded the immediate handover of the case to the NIA for swift identification and prosecution of all perpetrators, firm and visible measures by state and central authorities to prevent recurrence along NH-202, and the establishment of a robust security apparatus to guarantee civilian safety and movement. It also endorsed the demands put forward by the Tangkhul Naga Long to the state government.

The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a well-coordinated and deliberate ethnic targeting of innocent Naga civilians aimed at reigniting communal tension. According to the MNYO, the attackers were positioned on upper hill slopes across the river, approximately 150 metres from the highway, and opened fire using sophisticated long-range weapons including sniper firearms.

The MNYO demanded an immediate NIA investigation, accountability for the security lapse through a transparent inquiry, permanent security outposts along NH-202, urgent combing operations in militant-infested areas surrounding the attack site, disarmament of all armed groups operating outside the SoO framework, and adequate deployment of forces to protect vulnerable Naga villages including Sinakelthei.

The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) described the attack as “a heinous and well-calculated ambush” and expressed deep concern over what it called a recurring pattern of attacks by Kuki militants against Naga people. The NWU joined the UNC and ANSAM in implementing the three-day shutdown, candlelight vigil, and suspension of social and economic ties with Kukis.

The World Meetei Council (WMC) also strongly condemned the ambush, expressing particular concern over reports that the attack was carried out using snipers and long-range weapons shortly after the security escort had withdrawn. The WMC demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, immediate strengthening of security along national highways, accountability for lapses in security arrangements specifically regarding the withdrawal of the escort before the attack, and decisive action against all armed groups involved in violence.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho issued a strong condemnation of the attack, noting that the incident occurred just twelve hours after he and the Chief Minister visited Ukhrul district. He described it as a bitter betrayal of the people’s genuine desire for peace and progress, and assured that those responsible would be booked under the law. He appealed to the citizens of Ukhrul district and the people of Manipur to maintain calm and unity.

I am profoundly outraged by the barbaric killing of two innocent civilians and the grievous injuries sustained by several others yesterday at TM Kasom village, Ukhrul district. I condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms.
It is heart-wrenching that this atrocity occurred…

— Losii Dikho (@LDikho51792) April 19, 2026

In a formal letter addressed to Sword Vashum, President of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the Deputy Chief Minister gave the government’s assurance on the TNL’s demands. The government committed to: