UKHRUL: Just a day after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand visited Ukhrul, a civilian and an Ex-Naga Regiment retiree from the Tangkhul community travelling along National Highway 202 were fired upon by suspected Kuki militants. The attack resulted in the death of two individuals and left two women severely injured.
“I strongly condemn the killing of two innocent civilians in an attack by militants at T.M. Kasom village in Ukhrul district around 2:30 pm today. My government has decided to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA),” Khemchand stated.
The deceased have been identified as Yaruingam Vashum (42) of Kharasom CC village and S.W. Chinaoshang (45) of Tashar village. The two injured women, admitted to the District Hospital in Ukhrul, have been identified as Sominao Vashum (27) and Sareiwon Vashum (32), both from Kharasom CC village.
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The Central Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (CWC, TNFO) stated that the victims were travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul. The vehicles were escorted from Yaingangpokpi to Litan; however, the stretch beyond Litan was left unescorted. The incident reportedly occurred at T.M. Kasom, located approximately 10 km from Litan.
The United Naga Council has questioned the “inactivity of the security forces,” noting that the incident occurred just about 1.5 kilometres from an Indian Army post. It also raised concerns over the handling of security along NH-202 by both the state and central governments.
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Highlighting the urgency of the situation, CWC, TNFO has demanded the immediate suspension of the District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Ukhrul. It has also called for a time-bound and transparent inquiry with accountability, along with a complete overhaul of the current escort and security mechanism. Additionally, the committee demanded that Thangkhogin Baite, who allegedly fabricated information, be “immediately booked,” as he is suspected of involvement in the incident.
The Chief Minister has granted ex gratia to the families of the deceased, while security forces have launched operations to apprehend those responsible. A press release from the Manipur government stated that Khemchand, along with Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, is personally monitoring the situation, and that a high-level meeting has been convened to review security arrangements.
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The Home Minister has appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel in their efforts to apprehend the attackers. The Chief Minister has also urged all communities to “maintain calm and not fall prey to provocations intended to vitiate the atmosphere.”
Manipur Police said, upon hearing of the incident, security forces rushed immediately to the site and launched search operations to nab those behind the attack. Combing operations have been launched in the area by security forces. Adequate security forces have been deployed in the area and strategic locations to prevent further escalation of violence. Operations are still underway in the surrounding area.