Imphal: Four Naga civilians were killed and another injured in an ambush allegedly carried out by armed Kuki militants along the Imphal-Tamei (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district Thursday morning.Sources said the incident happened between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga when the victims were travelling on a vehicle.The deceased were identified as Tadsongwibou Ringkangmai, founder and Principal of Right Path School; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, Executive Member, Makui Youth Club; Wisobou Charenamai, Chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority and Anil Wijunamai, Executive member of Makui Youth Club.One of the traveller Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured in the attack, while another traveller Japou MK was said to have miraculously escape the tragedy.Deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, while expressing deep pain and distress over the tragic incident, said these acts of violence pose a grave threat to the ongoing efforts towards peace, normalcy and progress in the state.He described the incident as a direct assault on the security and dignity of the people, and asserted that the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians is utterly reprehensible and cannot be justified under any circumstances.He assured that all necessary support and assistance would be extended to those injured and to the affected families.Losii Dikho conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic incident, stating that he shares their grief and stands firmly with them during this difficult hour.He also appealed to the public not to allow such acts of violence to deepen existing divisions or undermine the hard-earned progress towards peace and normalcy in the state.Manipur home minister Govindas Konthoujam also expressed deep anguish over the incident and said, “This senseless violence has caused deep anguish among the Naga community and peace-loving people of Manipur and strikes at our collective efforts to restore peace and normalcy.”He assured those responsible will face the full force of law. Anyone attempting to obstruct or derail the peace process will not be spared, he said in his Facebook post.He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.The United Naga Council (UNC), while expressing strong condemnations over the attack on civilians, alleged the attack was carried out by “armed Kuki militants under SoO, belonging to KNF (P), KNF and KRA under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, Home Secretary, KNF/UPF.”The UNC, in a statement demanded the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case of this heinous crime, and for authorities to book the perpetrators, and deliver justice at the earliest.The UNC declared that a one-day Genna shall be observed in all Naga areas and district headquarters with effect from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday. During the stipulated period of Genna, all the vehicular movement, shops and business establishments, government offices, and private and government institutions shall remain closed. However, emergency and board/common examination shall be exempted, the statement said.
