UKHRUL/SENAPATI: Gaikamang Ringkangmai (44), who sustained a gunshot injury to his left forearm while surviving the August 27 ambush along the Imphal-Tamei (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district, has recounted the attack that claimed the lives of four Nagas.
Speaking about the incident, Ringkangmai who is from Makui village said the IT Road is frequently used by commuters and that it was along this road that they came under attack.
“They brutally killed the four Nagas. I was lucky to escape with an injury to my hand,” he said.
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Ringkangmai said he witnessed the attack from close range while hiding behind foliage. According to his account, the attackers were positioned in pairs and were wearing uniforms. He also alleged that red ribbons were tied to their rifles while they opened fire on the victims.
“Six of us were travelling along the IT Road. They brutally killed the four Nagas. I was lucky to escape with an injury to my hand. I clearly saw what was unfolding from behind, while hiding under the camouflage of leaves at close range. They were positioned in pairs, wearing full uniforms, with red ribbons tied to their rifles as they fired at the victims,” Ringkangmai recounted.
“Some of them had long hair,” he said, adding that the attackers pushed the vehicle further into the terrain after the ambush.
The attack reportedly took place at around 8:30 am on August 27 between Makui Asang and Thanamba Naga village along the IT Road.
The mortal remains of the four victims were brought to Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning under CRPF escort and were kept at the hospital for post-mortem examination. The deceased are Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice president of the 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.
Japou MK, a student leader of Thonglang Akutpa who was among the six travellers survived the attack.
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The killings have also triggered a one-day ‘Genna’ called by the United Naga Council (UNC), which was being strictly enforced across the Naga-inhabited hill districts from 6 am on Friday. Emergency services and examinations were exempted.
Ringkangmai, 44, continues to undergo treatment at Senapati District Hospital for the injury sustained during the attack.
