The United Naga Council condemned the NH-202 ambush that killed an FCI driver and alleged attacks on civilians in TM Kasom and Khoupum, urging stronger security measures.
Imphal, May 30: The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the killing of an FCI truck driver in an ambush along National Highway-202 and separate incidents of firing on civilians in Naga-inhabited areas, alleging that suspected Kuki militants were behind the attacks.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the UNC expressed grief over what it described as a series of violent incidents targeting civilians and security personnel in recent days.
According to the council, an ambush took place around 11 am near Yaolen village under Litan Police Station on May 29. The attack reportedly targeted vehicles travelling along NH-202, resulting in the death of an FCI driver identified as Nitish Kumar from West Bengal. A police personnel, Constable Disingam Maringmei of Ukhrul Police Station, was also injured while on duty.
The UNC claimed the incident marked the third major attack along the Imphal-Ukhrul-Kamjong road stretch since February this year.
The council also referred to another incident at TM Kasom village, where it alleged that villagers came under indiscriminate firing while preparing a grave at the village cemetery. According to the statement, residents were unable to complete the burial because of fears for their safety.
The deceased, who reportedly died from kidney failure, was eventually buried at the family homestead instead of the village cemetery, the statement said.
Condemning the incidents, the UNC said attacks on civilians, essential service personnel and mourners were unacceptable and called for immediate government intervention.
The council urged authorities to strengthen security along NH-202, which serves as a key transport corridor connecting Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. It said adequate deployment of security personnel and a permanent security mechanism were needed to ensure the safe movement of commuters, transport vehicles and government officials.
The statement also called for stronger protection of villages in vulnerable areas. The council described the reported firing at villagers during burial preparations as a serious violation of social norms and traditional values.
According to the UNC, repeated attacks have occurred within a relatively short stretch of the highway corridor. It urged the government to undertake comprehensive security operations in the area and prevent armed groups from using it as a base for attacks on civilians and security forces.
The council further expressed concern over another reported incident on May 26 in Khoupum Sub-Division. It alleged that suspected Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons opened fire on farmers from a Naga village while they were working in agricultural fields.
The UNC said continued incidents of violence were creating fear among local residents and stressed the need for decisive action to restore security and the rule of law.
The council extended condolences to the family of the deceased FCI driver and to the bereaved family in TM Kasom village. It also wished a speedy recovery to the injured police personnel.
Stating that inaction could encourage further violence, the UNC called on the government to take firm measures to protect civilians and prevent future attacks in the affected areas.
