UNC Declares One-Day Mourning for Victims of Kangpokpi Ambush

Imphal, India Aug 27, 2026 ALN: Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Thursday condemned the alleged ambush on Naga civilians along the IT Road in Kangpokpi district, in which four civilians were killed and another critically injured. This incident has not only shocked the local community but has also raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing tensions in the region.

The ambush, which occurred at approximately 8:30 am, has been described by the UNC as a ‘barbaric and calculated attack’ on innocent Naga civilians belonging to the Liangmai community. Reports indicate that armed Kuki militants, who are part of a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, carried out the ambush. These militants are reportedly affiliated with the Kuki National Front (P) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army, operating under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, the home secretary of KNF/UPF. The attack took place between Makui Ashang and Makui Thanamba village, an area that serves as a vital lifeline for Naga communities living along the IT Road, which is crucial for transportation and communication.

The tragedy resulted in the loss of four young lives, including prominent community members such as Wisobou Charenamai, who served as the chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority and was a former vice-president of the Liangmai Naga Council (LNC). Other victims included Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, the founder and principal of the Right Path School, as well as two executive members of the Makui Youth Club, T.Khullen and Mariakdibou Wijunamai. The attack has left Gaikamang Ringkangmai with critical injuries, while Japou MK, a student leader, managed to escape unharmed. The loss of these individuals has been described as a devastating blow to their families and the broader community.

In its statement, the UNC expressed profound sorrow and anguish over the deaths, while also voicing strong resentment against what they consider a complete failure of security measures that allowed such an attack to occur. The council has alleged that the incident reflects a discriminatory security deployment by the government, which has seemingly permitted Kuki militants under SoO to operate freely, despite their supposed commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The implications of this attack extend beyond the immediate tragedy; it highlights the fragile security situation in , where ethnic tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities have escalated in recent years. The UNC's demand for the authorities to intervene, apprehend the perpetrators, and deliver justice reflects a broader call for accountability and protection of civilian lives in the face of ongoing violence.

Moreover, the UNC has called for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the ambush, emphasizing that such acts of terror must not go unpunished. This demand underscores the community's desire for a transparent and effective response to violence that has plagued the region, contributing to a cycle of distrust and retaliation.

The UNC has characterized the attack as a direct challenge to the peace process between the Indian government and Naga groups, warning that it jeopardizes the very existence of the Naga people in their ancestral lands. The statement reflects a sentiment of urgency among the Naga community, who feel increasingly threatened by external forces and the escalation of violence.

In response to the tragic loss of life, the UNC has declared a one-day observance of ‘Genna’ across all Naga areas and district headquarters, set to take place from 6 am to 6 pm on August 28, 2026. This period of mourning is intended to honor the fallen civilians and to allow the community to collectively grieve. During this observance, all vehicular movement, shops, business establishments, government offices, and private institutions will remain closed, with the exception of emergency services and board or common examinations.

This declaration of Genna is not merely a gesture of mourning but also serves as a rallying point for the Naga community to unite in the face of adversity. It reflects a deep-seated need for solidarity among the Naga people, who are navigating a complex socio-political landscape marked by ethnic strife, historical grievances, and ongoing negotiations for peace and autonomy.

As the situation develops, the UNC's response and the government's actions will be closely scrutinized. The ambush has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of peace agreements, the role of militant groups, and the responsibilities of the state in ensuring the safety of its citizens. The community's resilience in the face of such tragedies will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Naga people and their quest for peace and justice.