Assault on Naga integrity: UNC announces 3 days of mourning with total shutdown from April 20
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 19 2026: Terming the TM Kasom ambush yesterday a premeditated attack and an assault on the integrity of the Naga people, the United Naga Council (UNC) has called for a total shutdown across all Naga areas from midnight of April 20 to midnight of April 23.The 3-day shutdown has been called as a collective expression of condemnation and to mourn the killing of the two Naga civilians.

During the three days of mourning, Nagas in Manipur shall suspend all social and economic ties with the Kukis, the UNC said in a statement.

The decision to call the shutdown was taken during a joint emergency meeting it convened with ANSAM, NWU and district apex bodies at its office at Tahamzam today, UNC said.

In separate statements, the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Women's Union (NWU) said they endorse the resolutions of the meeting including the call for the 3-day shutdown, put forth by the Tangkhul Naga Long during the meeting.

ANSAM, while expressing its endorsement of the resolutions, said the Government must entrust the TM Kasom ambush case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for swift action, and strengthen security measures along the NH-202 and all vulnerable areas.

The UNC said the joint meeting vehemently condemned the barbaric incident of waylaying and killing of Naga civilians at TM-Kasom along NH-202, said UNC.

The ambush allegedly carried out by Kuki militants yesterday killed two persons, Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) of Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum (42) of Kharasom village, Ukhrul district.

The meeting also expressed deep concern and questioned the seriousness and sincerity of the State Government in handling the security measures especially in the Naga areas.

"Ironically, the tragic incident occurred immediately after the visit of the Chief Minister and Home Minister of the Government of Manipur to Ukhrul District the previous day." They are liable to be held morally responsible for the incident, UNC said.

"The premeditated attack on unarmed civilians travelling on a public highway was not merely a crime against individuals but a deliberate assault on the dignity, safety and territorial integrity of the Naga people," UNC said.

Naga leaders condoled the deaths by observing one minute silence and prayer led by Thamdok Francis, president, CNPO.

"The meeting viewed the incident as a direct challenge to the Naga people and a grave disruption of their collective security and right to peaceful existence," it added.

In the meeting, the Naga bodies unanimously resolved to call a 3-day "total shutdown across all Naga areas from midnight of April 20 to midnight of April 23 to mourn the death of the two beloved Naga civilians and as a collective expression of condemnation".

During the shutdown period, all public and private institutions, business establishments, and vehicular movement shall remain suspended, except for emergency services, UNC said.

A candlelight vigil shall be observed on April 23 at 6.30 pm onwards in all Naga District Headquarters and at Imphal, to honour the departed souls and to reaffirm "our commitment" to peace with dignity, it said.

During the three days of mourning [shutdown], the Nagas in the State of Manipur shall suspend all social and economic ties with the Kukis in accordance with Naga customary practice, it said, appealing to "all Naga citizens, organisations and institutions to cooperate fully in observing the resolutions" .

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