Manipur: 2 killed in Ukhrul firing a day after CM’s peace visit

IMPHAL — Two persons were killed in a fresh firing incident by suspected militants in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Saturday, a day after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand’s trust-building visit to the area.

The incident occurred between Litan and TM Kasom under Litan Police Station along National Highway-202 (Imphal–Ukhrul road) around 2.30 pm, when civilians travelling in private vehicles from Imphal to Ukhrul came under fire, sources said. At least three vehicles were damaged in the attack.

While the involvement of Kuki militants is suspected, there has been no official confirmation.

The victims, both from the Tangkhul Naga community, have been identified as SW Chinaoshang (46) and Yaruingam Vashum (42). Chinaoshang was reportedly an ex-serviceman.

The CM condemned the incident and announced that the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Also read: Manipur CM leads peace outreach in Ukhrul

“Ex-gratia will be provided to the families of the victims,” he said in a social media post, expressing condolences to the bereaved families. He added that security forces have launched operations to apprehend those responsible.

Condemning the incident, the central working committee of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation alleged that it was a “planned attack” and demanded suspension of Ukhrul deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, along with a time-bound and transparent inquiry.

However, the Kuki-Zo Council denied any involvement, stating that no Kuki-Zo individuals or groups were linked to the incident.

The incident comes a day after the chief minister, accompanied by MLAs and top officials, visited villages inhabited by Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities en route to Ukhrul district headquarters and Shirui village, in an effort to ease tensions.

Tensions between the two communities have persisted since a violent clash at Litan Sareikhong along the Imphal–Ukhrul road in early February.