A Kuki tribal woman was killed and two civilians went missing after suspected militants ambushed two motorcycles in Manipur’s Kamjong district. Security personnel and villagers launched search operations, while Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the attack and demanded immediate action.
A middle-aged Kuki tribal woman was killed and two other civilians went missing after suspected militants allegedly ambushed two motorcycles in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Thursday evening, according to officials. Security personnel, assisted by local villagers, have launched search operations to trace the missing individuals and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to a police official citing information received from local villagers, four civilians travelling on two motorcycles towards Phaikoh to purchase essential commodities were ambushed along the road between Phaikoh and Molvailup.
The woman, identified as Hatneimkim Haokip, died at the scene, while her husband escaped unharmed, the official said. The whereabouts of the two other civilians remain unknown, prompting security personnel and villagers to begin efforts to locate them.
The incident has triggered strong condemnation from various organisations, including the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), which called for urgent measures to protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement, KIM Secretary for Information and Publicity Janghaolun Haokip accused the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), commonly known as NSCN (IM), of carrying out the alleged attack. He further claimed that the outfit had repeatedly targeted defenceless civilians, particularly women and children. These allegations have not been independently verified, and the investigation into the incident remains important for establishing responsibility.
Describing the killing as a serious violation of humanitarian principles, the KIM representative said attacks on vulnerable civilians and villagers were unacceptable and deserved the strongest condemnation. The organisation expressed concern over the safety of residents in the affected area, particularly those who must travel to nearby locations to purchase essential commodities and meet their daily needs.
The KIM also criticised the state and Central governments, holding them responsible for what it described as a deterioration in law and order that had allowed armed groups to operate without sufficient restraint.
Haokip accused the authorities of indecision and failing to take decisive action against those allegedly responsible for attacks on civilians. He demanded an immediate and comprehensive security operation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of Hatneimkim Haokip’s killing and locate the two missing civilians.
The organisation maintained that assurances from the authorities were no longer sufficient and called for concrete measures to ensure civilian safety, prevent further violence and deliver justice to the affected families.
The KIM also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them during their period of grief. The organisation stressed that the loss of an innocent civilian had heightened concerns over the security situation in the region.
It warned that failure to take immediate and tangible action to apprehend those responsible, locate the missing individuals and protect civilians could lead to public unrest and further escalation of tensions.
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Meanwhile, search efforts involving security personnel and villagers are underway to establish the whereabouts of the two missing civilians. Their safe recovery remains a key concern following the reported ambush.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of civilians in areas affected by armed conflict and security tensions in Manipur. The circumstances of the attack, the identity of those responsible and the fate of the missing individuals remain central issues requiring urgent investigation.
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Authorities face calls to ensure a thorough investigation, strengthen security in vulnerable areas and take appropriate action based on the findings. Further verified information about the search operation and the investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur has reiterated its demand for accountability and effective protection for innocent residents, urging the authorities to move beyond assurances and take decisive steps to prevent further attacks.
