Barely 24 hrs after CM's visit to Ukhrul, Kuki militants ambush vehicles on Imphal-Ukhrul road, 2 killed
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, April 18 2026: In yet another armed aggression, two Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an ambush by Kuki militants between Litan and TM Kasom along the Imphal-Ukhrul road in Ukhrul district today.

The deadly attack occurred just a day after Chief Minister Y Khemchand visited Ukhrul to promote peace among communities.

According to sources, a group of heavily armed Kuki militants ambushed vehicles travelling on National Highway-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul road) around 2.30 pm near TM Kasom village, killing two innocent civilians on the spot.

Eyewitnesses reported that the Kuki militants opened fire on the vehicles shortly after the security escort withdrew from Litan village.

Barely 24 hrs after CM's visit to Ukhrul, Kuki militants ambush vehicles on Imphal-Ukhrul road, 2 killed

The attack took place just a few kilometres from Litan, with gunfire coming from bunkers positioned on the western side of the upper slope.

Sources say that the Kuki militants fired approximately 50-60 rounds during the ambush.

The two deceased persons have been identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) s/o SW Ruichumhao of Tashar village and Yaruingam Vashum (42) s/o Thuimi Vashum of Kharasom CV village, Ukhrul.

Chinaoshang was a former Indian Army soldier.

At least five to six vehicles were also damaged in the attack.

Chinaoshang was hit by a bullet on the left side of his head and later succumbed to his injuries.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

Yaruingam, who was also shot in the head, died instantly and his body fell in a nearby gorge along with his DI camper.

Chinaoshang was travelling with three other individuals in his vehicle, all of whom were unharmed.

Akhai SW, a cousin of the deceased, provided further details about the ambush.

According to him, Chinaoshang had travelled to Imphal the previous day for a medical check-up of his ailing father, and was returning to Ukhrul when the attack occurred.

The Kuki militants ambushed them somewhere between Litan and TM Kasom, opening fire on moving private and passenger vehicles.

They fired from the upper hill slope of Yaolen Kuki village.

Meanwhile, residents of Ukhrul town have raised concerns about the credibility of the Chief Minister Y Khemchand's assurances that National Highway-202 is safe for movement of civilians.

They questioned why the Kuki militants were allowed to carry out such an attack on civilians.

The situation in Ukhrul remains highly volatile, with tensions escalating due to the unprovoked violent attack that claimed the lives of two innocent civilians.

It is reported that the security escort was provided to the civilians only from Gwaltabi to Litan.

Another source said that a heavy gunfight erupted between Kuki militants and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers in the area shortly after the ambush.