Two civilians were shot dead by suspected militants in an ambush in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Saturday, officials said, in an incident that has further heightened tensions in the hill region.
The attack took place near Kuki-dominated Yaolen village in the afternoon, a day after Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district and urged communities to maintain peace and engage in dialogue during interactions with both Kuki and Naga representatives.
According to officials, suspected militants opened fire on an Ukhrul-bound convoy of civilian vehicles coming from Imphal. The convoy was moving under security arrangements when it came under attack along the route.
A man seated in the front passenger seat of one of the cars was struck by a bullet in the head and died on the spot. Another passenger, who sustained serious gunshot injuries during the ambush, succumbed while being shifted for treatment, officials said.
The deceased were identified as S W Chinaoshang from Tashar village and Y Vashum from Kharasom village in Ukhrul district.
Officials said multiple rounds were fired during the attack, and at least three vehicles in the convoy were damaged. Windshields and rear windows of the cars were shattered due to the firing, causing panic among other passengers.
Preliminary inputs suggest that the convoy was carrying civilians, including families, travelling between Imphal and Ukhrul. Security arrangements were in place, though officials said details about the timing of withdrawal or redeployment of escorts are being verified.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from community organisations. The Kuki Zo Council has denied any involvement of the community in the attack.
In a separate statement, the Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) condemned the killings, alleging that the victims were part of a group that included women, children and elderly passengers travelling under security escort from Imphal to Ukhrul.
The committee alleged that armed cadres used long-range weapons and carried out the attack shortly after security personnel had withdrawn from the area. It demanded immediate combing operations in Yaolen village and adjoining Kuki-inhabited areas.
The TNL also held the state government responsible for ensuring the safety of civilians travelling through sensitive routes and called for stronger security measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Security forces have not yet issued an official statement on the attack. The situation in the area remained tense, with additional forces reportedly being deployed to prevent further escalation.
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