4 Naga civilians killed near Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur; shutdown called

The victims have been identified as Phami Jajo, 43; Ningthem Kasak, 35; Betterson Jajo, 50; and Vareishim Jajo, 67. Vareishim Jajo and Phami Jajo were father and son.

The bodies were brought to the Kamjong district headquarters for post-mortem examination.

Condemning the killings, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) called a 24-hour emergency shutdown across its jurisdiction from 7 am Friday. In a notice issued on Thursday, TNL secretary Thanreingam Muivah said the shutdown was being observed in protest against the killing of the four civilians.

The organisation said essential services, including power, medical and fire services, as well as movement related to funeral and condolence programmes, will be exempted.

Opposition to CM’s visit

Meanwhile, youth organisation Khanuitthot-Khon (Voice of the Tangkhul Naga Youth) has opposed Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s proposed visit to Ukhrul on September 28. In a statement, the organisation said Singh was scheduled to visit Ukhrul to attend a public outreach programme, and the visit should be reconsidered in view of the security situation following recent killings and violence in Naga-inhabited areas.

The organisation raised concerns over the continued presence and activities of armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations arrangement and demanded greater accountability for violence against civilians.

It also called on the state and central governments to take immediate measures to protect Naga civilians, ensure accountability for the killings and restore security in Naga-inhabited areas.

8 deaths in 2 weeks

The recent incidents have added to growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in districts bordering Naga and Kuki-Zo areas.

On September 15, two Kuki-Zo women were killed at Leijangphai in Tamenglong district in an attack by armed miscreants.

On September 21, a 17-year-old Naga boy was gunned down in an area between Tamei and Nkou by unknown armed miscreants.

Two days later, on September 23, a 36-year-old Kuki-Zo man was shot dead at Wakotphai village in Tamenglong district. Hours later, at least 24 houses in two Naga villages—Makui Khuman and Makui Thanamba/Chamruioiu—were set ablaze in Kangpokpi district by armed miscreants, official sources said. The villages are located around 15 km northeast from the Chalwa police station.

The same day, gunfire erupted at Makui Thebram, another Naga village, between two armed groups at around 3 pm, officials said. Makui Thebram is located at a distance of around 3-4 km from the previous two villages. The gunfire lasted for about an hour. Later, at least 26 structures, including houses, were allegedly set ablaze.