IMPHAL: The clash between the indigenous Naga and Kuki community is escalating rigorously in Manipur. A 17 year-old Naga student was shot dead in Tamenglong district on September 20, Sunday, by suspected militants. The heinous killing of the minor student has once again erupted tensions among the people of the state, which is entangled in a ethnic conflict.
The victim, identified as NK Wiphenbou, was travelling alone from Upper Nkou village towards Tamei town at around 10:30AM when he was attacked by the Kuki who were there on the spot armed with deadly weapons to attack people from the other community. The Manipur police later said that the body of the minor victim was later discovered by the Naga village volunteers along a narrow stretch of path between Upper Takou and Tamah(Malek).
According to Naga People’s Front legislator Awangbou Newmai, the teenager had set out that morning simply to buy essential items for his family when he met the fatal attack by the suspected Kukis.
CM Khemchand Singh condemned the killing
Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Singh condemned the killing, calling it an act of violence against an innocent student that had no place in society. In a post on Facebook, he said he strongly condemned the killing of Wiphenbou by armed miscreants between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek) and offered his condolences to the bereaved family, praying for them to find strength in this difficult time.
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also reacted sharply to the killing, saying the state could not keep losing innocent lives to what he called an endless cycle of violence. He called on the authorities to act decisively, fix accountability and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice without any delay.
Condemning the killing, MLA Newmai termed it as a cowardly act and described it as a heinous act of terrorism aimed at civilians. He said such barbaric violence had no justification and no place in a civilised society, and extended his condolences to Wiphenbou’s family.
Naga-Kuki clash escalates
The latest killing of the minor student has taken place against the backdrop of the prolonged and often violent tension between the Naga and Kuki communities in several parts of Manipur. As per the official records, 40 people have lost their lives since clashes between the two communities broke out in February.
Districts including Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Noney, Ukhrul and Kamjong have borne the brunt of this unrest, with such incidents continuing to test the state’s efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the affected areas.
