SENAPATI/UKHRUL The four Naga civilians killed in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district on August 27 will be buried at Chawangkining village today, as a condolence service is being held at Senapati (Tahamzami) headquarters in their honour. The United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) are jointly holding the condolence service at Senapati from 7 am onwards.
The four were killed at around 8:30 am on August 27 while travelling between Makui Ashang and Makui Thanamba village along the IT Road. The UNC has attributed the attack to Kuki militants.
The four deceased are Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice-president of Liangmai Naga Council (LNC); Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; and Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club.
The burial service is being held at Chawangkining village today, with those travelling to the village heading under security escort.
The programme, titled “Condolence Service in Honour of Our Fallen Heroes,” includes a solidarity hymn, invocation, laying of wreaths, a brief account of the incident and condolence messages from Naga civil society organisations.
The killings followed an ambush in which a survivor, in an exclusive interview with Ukhrul Times, alleged that around 40–50 armed Kuki militants had been lying in wait for the vehicle near Makui Asang. The survivor, Ahjapou MK, secretary of the Ahangruak Association, said the group opened fire on the vehicle without warning.
Another survivor, Gaikamang Ringkangmai, who sustained a gunshot injury to his left arm, said he witnessed the attack from close range while hiding in foliage. He alleged that the attackers were wearing uniforms, positioned in pairs, and had red ribbons tied to their rifles.
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The survivors also raised questions over the security response following the attack. Ahjapou said firing had been reported to village authorities and Naga leaders, while an exchange of fire reportedly continued between village volunteers and the attackers.
According to his account, security personnel arrived only at around 5:30 am the following morning to retrieve the bodies, which had remained at the site overnight.
The mortal remains of the four victims were brought to Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning, where a large number of people gathered to receive and pay their respects.
In its condolence message, the UNC expressed “heartfelt condolences” and “profound sorrow and anguish” over the deaths of the four, describing them as Naga martyrs.
The UNC said the continued killing of Nagas “has crossed all limits and cannot be tolerated any longer”, while calling on the people to remain vigilant and prepared to face challenges without panic or resorting to mob violence.
It said the conflict had “become a national issue requiring serious attention and responsibility” and warned that continued violence could result in further displacement, destruction of infrastructure and humanitarian suffering.
The UNC also said the deaths of the four would not be in vain and that their sacrifices and legacy would remain in the collective memory of the Naga people.
The apex Naga body extended condolences to the bereaved families, affected villagers and the Liangmai community and prayed for strength and solace for those affected by the killings.
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