UKHRUL: The secretary of the Ahangruak Association, Ahjapou MK survived the ambush that reportedly killed four Naga civilians between Makui Asang and Thanamba Naga village along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday. He recounted the events leading up to the attack and alleged that 40–50 Kuki militants lay in wait for their vehicle, also raising questions about the delay in security response.
Speaking to Ukhrul Times, Ahjapou said, “We were ambushed at the area located at Makui Asang. Kuki militants numbering about 40 to 50 were sitting in ambush around that area, we headed straight into it. We did not know of their presence when they started firing on us without any stoppage or hesitation.”
According to sources, those killed have been identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; Japou MK, student leader, Thonglang Akutpa; and Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club. Gaikamang Ringkangmai sustained a gunshot injury to his left arm.
ALSO READ: Survivor Gaikamang recounts ambush that killed four Nagas along IT Road
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.
ALSO READ: Remains of 4 Nagas Killed in Attack Brought to Senapati District Hospital
On the day of the incident, Ahjapou himself was reported missing. Responding to this, he clarified, “I was reported missing because I escaped from the location. The village youths were calling out my uncle’s name, mistaking his identity for mine, and that’s how I made it back to the people.”
Recounting the events that unfolded and expressing confusion over the delay in the security response, he added, “The whole time there was an exchange of fire between the village volunteers and the Kuki militants, with the assistance of drones. We reported the firing back home, and even to the area where our leaders were located, but given the situation, security personnel had some reason to delay, I do not know why. They came only this morning, around 5:30 a.m., to retrieve the bodies; they had been left untouched until then.”
Upon being asked who he believed was responsible for the ambush, Ahjapou alleged that the government and Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement should be held accountable.
The mortal remains of the four persons killed reached Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning. A large number of people gathered along the route and at the reception point to receive and pay their respects to the deceased. Several family members reportedly fainted upon receiving the mortal remains and were placed on IV drips at the hospital.
