Tamenglong, October 10: The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) has condemned the killing of four Naga civilians and injuries to two others in attacks at Makui and Tapon villages, demanding the immediate return of a beheaded victim’s head to his family for a dignified burial.
The Naga committee described the attacks as a “barbaric massacre” and alleged that sophisticated weapons were used in the assaults on the Naga villages.
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It identified the deceased as Machungamang Daimai, a Naga village guard who was reportedly killed in an ambush at Tapon village; Dibambou Ringkangmai, 48, of Makui village; Ajinbou R. Ringkangmai, 52, of Makui village; and Ramningpou Gangmei, 53, of Luangchum village in Tamenglong district.
According to the JTCM, Dibambou Ringkangmai’s head was smashed and deformed, while Ajinbou R. Ringkangmai was allegedly beheaded. It said the latter’s head remained missing, preventing his family from according him a dignified burial.
The two injured persons were identified as Mathangambou Chawang of Kadi-2 village and Nashon Pame of Impa village.
The JTCM demanded the immediate return of the missing head, describing the demand as non-negotiable. It also called for a complete overhaul of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent violence and had instead allowed armed groups to stockpile sophisticated weapons and move freely.
“The SoO has not prevented violence; it has enabled it,” the Naga committee said, arguing that the framework had failed to deliver peace to Naga communities.
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The Naga committee also alleged the involvement of Thangboi Kipgen, David Hangsing and Dr Sailen Haokip in the attacks, and claimed that Kuki armed groups, including the Kuki National Front (President), Kuki Revolutionary Army and Kuki National Army (Military Council), had provided political support. These allegations were made by the JTCM and have not been independently verified.
The JTCM demanded verified surrender of arms, strict confinement of designated armed groups to their camps and an end to their movement outside designated areas.
It warned the state and central governments that continued inaction and delays in delivering justice would make them complicit in future killings.
The JTCM said it would continue to pursue justice for the victims and their families.
It may be noted that at least 32 Nagas have been killed in Naga-Kuki violence since February 2026, including six reported deaths on October 10.
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