Mokokchung/Dimapur/New Delhi, April 22 (MExN): In a series of statements, the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) and Global Naga Forum (GNF) have strongly condemned the killing of two Naga civilians in what they described as a “heinous”, “barbaric” and “premeditated” ambush at TM-Kason (also referred to as TM-Kasom) village along National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on April 18.
AKM: The AKM termed the attack on innocent and unarmed civilians an inhumane act and “a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental rights and the sanctity of life”. It expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and said it stood in unwavering solidarity with them, describing the loss as “not only a tragedy for the families but a collective loss for the Naga community.”
Calling the incident a cowardly act, the AKM said, “Such violence is a direct assault on peace, security and harmonious coexistence,” and warned that it threatens the very fabric of society. It urged the authorities to initiate an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay, adding that “any negligence or failure in delivering justice will be viewed as a serious dereliction of duty”.
Reiterating its stand against all forms of violence, the AKM affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and security of the people, and appealed to all sections of society to remain united, uphold peace and not allow such incidents to create divisions. It further called on stakeholders to act with urgency to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to ensure lasting peace in the region.
NSA: The NSA, in a separate statement, described the incident as a “barbaric” and “premeditated” ambush carried out using sophisticated weaponry along the highway, targeting innocent and unarmed civilians. “Such a heinous and unforgivable crime must be unequivocally condemned by all sections of society,” it said, adding that the use of advanced weapons reflected the calculated and ruthless nature of the perpetrators.
Raising concerns over the prevailing security situation, the NSA alleged that the incident exposed “a dangerous nexus” allowing anti-social elements to operate freely, thereby placing civilian lives at constant risk. It said such incidents reinforce a perception among indigenous Naga communities of marginalisation and neglect, leaving them vulnerable even within their own ancestral lands.
The association further said the killing of the two civilians was “not merely an isolated act of violence but a stark reminder of the growing insecurity and existential threat faced by the Naga people”, eroding trust and deepening divisions at a time when peace and stability are most needed. It called on the authorities to take immediate and stringent action to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice, while reaffirming solidarity with the bereaved families and its commitment to justice, peace and human dignity.
GNF: The GNF also condemned the killing of two Tangkhul Naga civilians, describing it as a heinous and premeditated attack on unarmed civilians. It alleged that the incident was widely believed to be the handiwork of Kuki militants and termed it “a grave crime against humanity aimed at instilling fear among Nagas and disrupting peace in the region”.
The forum expressed concern over reports of the movement and activities of Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) militant cadres in close proximity to Naga villages such as Sinakeithei, Thoyee, Sharkaphung and TM Kasom. It further alleged that nearby Kuki villages, including Mongkot-Chepu, Shangkhai, Zalenbung, Songphel and Mollen, were being used as operational bases by armed groups reportedly possessing sophisticated weapons despite the presence of central security forces.
The GNF also raised apprehensions that the monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 provided to each cadre under the SoO arrangement was being misused by certain groups for procuring arms and ammunition, adding that reports of a proposal to release over Rs 30 crore towards stipend expenditure had deepened such concerns.
Urging both the Centre and the state government to ensure strict enforcement of SoO ground rules, it said any violations must be dealt with firmly and without delay. “If it is established that such groups are exploiting the arrangement to target innocent civilians, the abrogation of the SoO agreement with the concerned groups, particularly the Kuki National Organisation, should be considered,” the forum said.
The GNF extended its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the Tangkhul Naga Long and the people of Ukhrul district, terming the incident a direct assault on the Naga community.
It also expressed concern over what it described as a “troubling narrative” portraying such incidents as localised clashes, asserting that the violence reflects a broader conflict of interest between Naga and Kuki communities. Rejecting attempts to isolate the Tangkhul community, it said, “An attack on Tangkhul Nagas is an attack on all Nagas.”
While asserting the right of communities to safeguard their ancestral lands and lives, the GNF maintained that lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue. It urged Kuki civil society organisations to restrain extremist elements and engage in transparent and constructive discussions, and called on the Centre and state governments to intervene through impartial mediation addressing the root causes of the conflict, rather than relying solely on security deployment.
.jpg)
