Two Naga civilians were killed and two injured at Kailengjang in Senapati on Saturday, as fresh violence comes amid the state government's peace and outreach efforts.
Senapati, Sept. 26: Two Naga civilians were killed and two others seriously injured after an attack at Kailengjang village in Senapati district on Saturday afternoon, adding to a series of violent incidents reported in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur in recent days.
According to local reports, four Naga civilians were resting at a residence in Kailengjang, described as a Kuki village located about 7 km from Senapati Police Station, when the attack took place.
Two of the victims, identified as Rocky of Chowainamei Khullen village, belonging to the Mao Naga community, and Kumar of Laii Shirafii, belonging to the Poumai Naga community, were killed at the spot.
The two injured victims were identified as 33-year-old Adani Manio of Makhel village and 49-year-old Ashiho Sani of Shajouba village. Both sustained serious injuries and were taken to GetWell Hospital in Senapati for treatment. Reports said Sani requires immediate surgery.
Senapati Police, accompanied by personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces, reached the location soon after the incident and took control of the situation. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and taken to District Hospital, Senapati.
The latest killings came amid heightened concern over the security of civilians in Naga areas following a number of attacks and killings reported across Manipur in recent days.
On Thursday, four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed at Pilong village in Kamjong district near the Myanmar border. Police have suspected the involvement of militants from across the border in that incident.
The violence has also been reported in parts of Kangpokpi district, where several Naga villages were attacked and houses were set on fire earlier this week. Local reports cited by national media said around 40 houses were destroyed in attacks on Makui Chamriupiu, Makui Thanamba and Makui Thebram.
Violence follows government outreach in Senapati
The latest incident comes less than three months after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Senapati district as part of the state government's efforts to engage with Naga civil society and review development and security-related concerns.
During his July 8 visit, Khemchand travelled to Senapati via Kangpokpi, reviewed development projects and met representatives of the United Naga Council at the Mini Secretariat in Senapati. He also interacted with members of the public and other civil society organisations.
During the visit, the Chief Minister announced formal approval for the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam, which is expected to provide drinking water to 27 villages, while also assuring action on several demands raised by local organisations.
The Senapati visit was also accompanied by concerns over the security situation. While travelling towards Senapati, Khemchand's convoy was reportedly met by protesters carrying black flags at Liangmai Taphou. The protesters were demanding justice in connection with the killing of six Naga civilians who had been abducted in May.
The Chief Minister later addressed a gathering in Kangpokpi while returning from Senapati and called on communities to reject violence and work towards reconciliation.
The fresh killings at Kailengjang therefore come against the backdrop of that outreach, as well as continuing demands from Naga civil society organisations for stronger security measures and accountability for attacks on civilians.
A team of Naga civil society organisations led by the United Naga Council had left Senapati on Friday for a tripartite meeting with the Centre and the Manipur government scheduled in Guwahati on September 26. The meeting was intended to discuss the prevailing law-and-order situation and peace-building measures.
The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur had also recently raised concerns over what it described as continuing attacks, killings and arson in Naga areas and questioned the government's response to the incidents.
As of the filing of this report, there was no information on any follow-up action announced by Senapati-based civil society organisations in response to Saturday's killings.
The identities of those responsible for the Kailengjang attack and the circumstances leading to the shooting had not been independently established at the time of publication.
