Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: April 20, 2026
The United Naga Council, joined by the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, Naga Women’s Union, and key district apex bodies, convened an emergency meeting on April 19 at Tahamzam to respond to escalating violence in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. The meeting was called in the immediate aftermath of the killing of two Naga civilians on National Highway-202 near TM-Kasom village in Ukhrul district, an incident that leaders described as both a targeted attack and a glaring failure of state security. The victims, Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, 45, and Yaruingam Vashum, 42, were allegedly waylaid and killed while travelling on a public highway, raising sharp questions about the safety of civilians despite heavy deployment of forces in the region.
During the joint session, leaders observed a minute of silence and held prayers led by Thamdok Francis to honour the deceased. The UNC and allied bodies strongly condemned the killings and expressed alarm that the attack occurred shortly after a high-profile visit by state leaders to Ukhrul, suggesting that security assurances on the ground remain inadequate. Delegates noted that NH-202 is a critical lifeline for Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, and the ability of armed elements to intercept and kill civilians on a national highway points to a serious collapse of law and order. The meeting resolved that mere condemnation was no longer sufficient and that visible, collective action was needed.
Following deliberations, the Naga bodies announced a three-day total shutdown across all Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, effective from midnight of April 20 until April 23. Essential services, including medical, water, electricity, and press, will remain exempt from the bandh. As part of the mourning, a coordinated candlelight vigil will be organised on April 23 in every Naga district headquarters and in Imphal to remember the victims and demand accountability. Organisers have appealed to the public to maintain peace during the shutdown and to participate in the vigil as a unified expression of grief and protest against continued violence targeting civilians.
In a significant move, the UNC and constituent organisations also declared a temporary suspension of all social and economic ties with Kuki communities for the duration of the mourning period. The bodies stated that the decision was taken to register protest and to press for justice, while urging communities to avoid further escalation and cooperate with local authorities to prevent untoward incidents. They reiterated their demand for an impartial probe into the Ukhrul killings and for concrete security measures to secure highways and villages in Naga areas, warning that continued lapses would force harder decisions in the future.
Edited By: Elvish Haokip
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