Naga Council Calls for Bandh Following Fatal Attack in Manipur

Shillong, India Aug 28, 2026 ALN: In the wake of a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of four Nagas in Kangpokpi district, the United Naga Council (UNC) has declared a 12-hour bandh set to begin on August 28 at 6 PM in areas under its jurisdiction. This bandh is referred to as a ‘genna’ observation, a term that signifies a period of mourning and reflection within the Naga community. The declaration of a bandh is a common form of protest in the region, often used to express solidarity and demand justice in response to violent incidents.

During the designated period of ‘genna’, all vehicular movement, shops, and business establishments, as well as government offices and private institutions, will remain closed. However, exceptions will be made for emergency services and board examinations, as stated by the UNC. The decision to observe a bandh underscores the gravity of the situation and reflects the community's collective grief and anger over the loss of life.

The UNC has accused the Kuki National Front (KNF-P), Kuki National Front (KNF), and Kuki National Army (KRA) of perpetrating the attack against Naga civilians. In a strong condemnation, the council described the assault as a “barbaric and calculated attack on innocent Naga civilians” from the Liangmai community, which occurred between the villages of Makui Ashang and Makui Thanamba along the IT Road in Kangpokpi. The IT Road is a crucial route that connects various Naga settlements and is essential for trade, travel, and communication among the communities.

Reports indicate that at approximately 8:30 AM on Thursday, armed militants from the Kuki groups, who are under a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, ambushed the Naga civilians. This agreement was intended to bring peace and stability to the region by ceasing hostilities between various ethnic armed groups. However, the recent attack raises questions about the effectiveness of this agreement and the ongoing tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities. The UNC claims that this area serves as a vital lifeline for Naga communities residing along the IT Road. They characterized the attack as a premeditated and cowardly act that led to the tragic loss of four promising young Naga lives, including a former vice president of the Liangmai Naga Council (LNC). One individual was left critically injured, and another is still missing.

The victims of this heinous crime have been identified as:

• Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice president of LNC;
• Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen;
• Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club;
• Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club.

The injured individual has been identified as Gaikamang Ringkangmai. Additionally, one Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa village, managed to escape the violence. The loss of these individuals is particularly poignant given their contributions to their respective communities, highlighting the devastating impact of violence on local leadership and social structures.

This incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice among the Naga community, as the UNC continues to advocate for the safety and rights of its people in the region. The Naga community has a long history of conflict with various groups in Manipur, often stemming from issues related to identity, land rights, and political representation. The recent escalation of violence underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the challenges faced in achieving lasting reconciliation.

The implications of this attack extend beyond the immediate loss of life. It raises concerns about the potential for further violence and retaliation, which could destabilize the already tense relations between the Naga and Kuki communities. The UNC's call for a bandh serves as both a means of mourning and a rallying cry for justice, signaling that the community will not remain silent in the face of violence.

Furthermore, the incident has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including political leaders and human rights organizations, who are calling for an independent investigation into the attack. The need for accountability is paramount, as communities seek assurance that such acts of violence will not go unpunished. The situation is compounded by the historical grievances between different ethnic groups in the region, which often fuel cycles of violence and retribution.

As the bandh approaches, the Naga community stands united in its demand for justice, reflecting a broader struggle for recognition and rights within the complex socio-political landscape of Manipur. The UNC's actions and the community's response will likely shape the discourse surrounding ethnic tensions in the region, as well as influence future negotiations aimed at peace and stability. The tragic events in Kangpokpi serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and understanding among the diverse communities that inhabit this region, and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such conflicts.