Manipur CM orders NIA probe after militants kill two civilians in Ukhrul highway ambush

Two civilians, including a retired Indian Army soldier, were killed and several others injured after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy of vehicles on National Highway-202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Saturday, officials said.

The attack took place around 2.30 pm near T M Kasom village under Litan police station limits , along the Imphal–Ukhrul road. Unidentified armed assailants targeted a convoy of four civilian vehicles travelling from Imphal towards Ukhrul and Kamjong districts , triggering panic among commuters.

Officials said the gunmen opened fire from nearby hill ranges, hitting several vehicles. One of the occupants, who was seated in the front passenger seat, died on the spot after being shot in the head , while another injured victim later succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased were identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) , a retired soldier of the Naga Regiment from Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum (42) from Kharasom village. At least two to three other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said the vehicles had been under security escort up to Litan , but the convoy moved ahead without protection when the ambush occurred. The attackers fled after firing on the vehicles.

The incident came a day after Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul district as part of a peace outreach initiative and urged communities to work towards reconciliation and normalcy.

Condemning the killings, the chief minister announced that the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and said ex gratia would be provided to the victims’ families. Security forces rushed to the site and launched search and combing operations to track down those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council denied involvement in the attack and urged people not to speculate. However, the Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) alleged that the ambush was carried out by Kuki militant cadres under the Suspension of Operations agreement , claiming the attackers used snipers and long-range weapons shortly after the security escort withdrew.

Naga organisations have demanded immediate combing operations and stronger highway security, while authorities appealed for calm amid rising tensions in the conflict-hit hill district .