Four Naga civilians killed in fresh Manipur attack

Guwahati: Four Naga civilians were allegedly shot dead by suspected militants near Pilong village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, close to the Myanmar border, on Thursday.

The bodies of the four men, belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community, were recovered in the early hours of Friday.

Chief minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killings, saying that “such acts of violence have no place in our society and will not be tolerated”. Naga People’s Front legislator Awangbou Newmai said, “I strongly condemn the horrific act of violence and inhumane acts of continued attacks on innocent civilians and the burning of houses, including a government school and churches, at Pipuram, Chamriupiu and Thebram under Kangpokpi district by suspected Kuki militants on September 23 and 24.”

He added, “I also unequivocally condemn the killing of Paojangam Chongloi of Wakotphai on September 23, 2026, at Lasan, Tamei sub-division. I am also deeply pained to learn that four innocent civilians were brutally killed at Pilong, Kamjong, by KNA(B). The deceased were Phami Jajo, Ningthem, Betterson Jajo and Vareishim Jajo.”

He added, “I appeal to all communities to shun violence, co-exist as peaceful neighbours and work collectively towards restoring peace, mutual trust and communal harmony. I stand in solidarity with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.

In another incident, around 40 houses were set ablaze and reduced to ashes by suspected militants. A church and other public structures were also razed during the attacks on three villages – Makui Chamriupui, Makui Thanamba and Makui Thebram – within Kangpokpi district.

Local reports claimed that at least 17 houses in Makui Chamriupui, eight in Makui Thanamba and 16 in Makui Thebram were completely burnt during the intensified attacks. The suspects attacked the three villages almost simultaneously, beginning around 2.30 pm on Wednesday and continuing until the early hours of Thursday, around 2.30 am.

A senior police officer said villagers had to flee, abandoning their homes as they were unable to hold their ground when the attackers began setting fire to their houses amid the continuous assault that lasted nearly 12 hours.