Teenage Naga boy NK Wiphenbou was reportedly shot dead in an ambush in Tamenglong, as the JTCM condemned the killing and sought action against those responsible.
Imphal, Sept. 21: A teenage Naga boy was shot dead in an alleged ambush while travelling towards Tamei in Tamenglong district on Monday morning, according to local sources and media reports.
The victim has been identified as NK Wiphenbou, son of NK Maihinlakbou of Takou village. Reports differ on his age, with some sources identifying him as 15 and others as 17. He has also been described as a school student.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 10:30 am along the stretch between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek) in the Tamei subdivision. According to local accounts, Wiphenbou was travelling alone towards Tamei when he was attacked.
Local sources reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire from the area. One account said nearly 20 rounds were fired. Villagers who went to the location after hearing the gunfire reportedly found Wiphenbou's body lying by the roadside
Local sources have alleged that the attackers were Kuki militants. However, the allegation has not been independently verified, and reports said there was no immediate confirmation from police identifying those responsible.
JTCM condemns killing, seeks action against perpetrators
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM) condemned the killing and described it as a "barbaric act of terrorism".
In its statement, the council identified Wiphenbou as a Liangmai Naga student and alleged that he was killed in a premeditated ambush while returning to school. The statement gave his age as 17, differing from local reports that have put his age at 15.
The WC-JTCM alleged that cadres of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), Kuki National Front (P) [KNF(P)], Kuki National Front (N) [KNF(N)] and other allied groups were responsible for the attack. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The council also alleged that the groups named in its statement were violating the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and demanded action against groups found responsible for the killing.
The WC-JTCM further alleged that the government's handling of the recent arrest and subsequent release of seven Kuki men had contributed to a sense of impunity. It named Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen while making allegations of government collusion. These claims are those of the council and have not been independently established.
The council demanded an immediate condemnation of the killing by the state and Central governments and called for the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
It also demanded action against groups violating the SoO agreement and sought immediate security measures for Liangmai Naga villages and other vulnerable Naga settlements.
MNYO condemns killing, seeks review of SoO arrangement
The Mizo Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has strongly condemned the reported killing of Nk. Wiphenbou, a Naga youth from Takou village, who it identified as a 19-year-old Class XI student allegedly killed by Kuki armed militants.
According to the MNYO, Wiphenbou had returned home to collect essential food supplies, including rice and other groceries. It said vehicular movement along the inter-village road had been disrupted by the ongoing ethnic conflict, forcing him to travel on foot.
The organisation said the incident reflects continuing security concerns faced by indigenous communities and renewed concerns over the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement.
The MNYO reiterated its demand for a comprehensive review of the SoO arrangement, citing concerns related to the security of indigenous communities, land, demography and their future.
The organisation also questioned the circumstances surrounding the release of individuals arrested in connection with the alleged arson and vandalism at Chawangkining village.
It sought clarification from the government on whether those arrested had been handed over to law enforcement agencies, whether investigations were conducted and what legal grounds were cited for their release. The MNYO said accountability should be ensured through due process without favouritism or discrimination.
The organisation further urged Indian security forces and other security agencies operating in Manipur to maintain impartiality and professionalism in law enforcement. It called for consistent treatment of all communities and said security agencies should respond to threats within the framework of law, without bias or discrimination.
The MNYO appealed to the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to uphold justice, ensure equal protection under the law, protect indigenous communities and strengthen accountability in governance and security operations.
The latest killing has added to tensions in parts of Tamenglong and other areas amid recent violence involving Naga and Kuki communities. Further details from the police and district authorities are awaited.
