TNL calls a 24-hour shutdown after four Tangkhul civilians are killed in Kamjong, as leaders condemn the killings and recent attacks on Naga villages in Manipur.
Imphal, Sept. 25: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has called a 24-hour emergency total shutdown across its jurisdiction following the reported killing of four Tangkhul Naga civilians at Pilong village in Manipur’s Kamjong district near the international border with Myanmar.
The shutdown began at 7 am on Friday, September 25, and will end at 7 am on Saturday, September 26, according to an official statement issued by the TNL. The apex Tangkhul Naga body has directed people across its jurisdiction to observe the shutdown.
The TNL identified the deceased as Phami Jajo and Vareishim Jajo of Kangpat Khullen, Ningthem Kashak of Zingsui and Betterson Jajo of Kangpat Khunou. Other reports identified Vareishim Jajo as Phami Jajo’s father.
According to the TNL, the four civilians were allegedly targeted by suspected cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and allied armed groups at around 1.30 pm on September 24. Pilong is located about 35 km from the Kamjong district headquarters.
The allegation against KNA-B and other armed groups has not been independently established. Police and other reports have confirmed that four people were killed in an attack at Pilong, while differing accounts have emerged over the exact timing and circumstances of the incident.
The TNL said medical services, power supply, fire services, movement connected with funerals and condolence programmes, and other essential and emergency services would remain exempt from the shutdown.
The shutdown comes amid renewed violence and attacks reported in several parts of Manipur’s hill districts. In a separate statement issued on September 25, Awangbow Newmai condemned the reported killing of the four civilians at Pilong, as well as violence and the burning of houses, a government school and churches in Pipuram, Chamriupiu and Thebram areas of Kangpokpi district. He also condemned the killing of Paojangam Chongloi of Wakotphai at Lasan in Tamei subdivision on September 23.
Newmai appealed to communities to reject violence and work towards restoring peace, mutual trust and communal harmony. He expressed solidarity with the families of those killed.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Keisham Meghachandra Singh also condemned the killing of the four Naga civilians and the reported burning of Naga houses, including churches, in the Makui area of Kangpokpi district.
In a statement, Meghachandra said violence in Makui was reported to have continued for nearly 12 hours, from around 2.30 pm on September 23 to 2.30 am on September 24. He questioned why security personnel, including CRPF and IRB personnel reportedly stationed within about 10 km of the affected villages, were unable to prevent the prolonged violence and destruction.
Reports from the area said at least 41 Naga houses, including churches, were reportedly burnt in Makui Chamriupui, Makui Thanamba and Makui Thebram. The reports also said the violence lasted for several hours, while the exact casualties remained unclear.
Meghachandra said allegations that suspected KNA-B and other armed Kuki groups were responsible for the Pilong killings required a thorough and impartial investigation. He called for immediate security measures in vulnerable villages, a time-bound investigation, prosecution of those responsible, relief and rehabilitation for displaced families, and an explanation from the government on the security response.
He also called for lawful action against armed groups responsible for attacks on civilians and said protection and accountability should apply to all communities.
The latest incidents have added to concerns over civilian safety in border and hill areas of Manipur, where sporadic violence and displacement continue to affect communities. The circumstances surrounding the Pilong killings and responsibility for the attack remain subject to investigation.
