Remains of ambush victims brought to JNIMS morgue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2026: Tears, anguish and simmering anger filled the air at the JNIMS mortuary today as the mortal remains of the four Naga civilians who were killed by Kuki armed groups in broad daylight, at New Haven along Imphal-Ukhrul road under Litan police station yesterday were brought to the hospital around 3.40 pm .

The deceased had been identified as Haoleila RS and her son Kapangkhui of Sangshak village, and Tychicus Ngalung and Tanmila, siblings from Tashar village.

Their bodies were brought from Ukhrul District Hospital to Imphal amid tight security.

Remains of ambush victims brought to JNIMS morgue

On their way to Imphal, a large number of people gathered at Yaingangpokpi Bazar and paid floral tributes to the deceased.

Similar tributes were also paid at Lamlong Keithel before the bodies reached JNIMS morgue complex.

In view of the tense situation, heavy security arrangements were made at the JNIMS morgue complex, with State police, CRPF and RAF personnel deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

After the bodies were brought to the complex, prayers were offered by hundreds of people from different communities, including Tangkhul and Meitei who had gathered there.

Notably, the bodies of six Naga civilians, who went missing after being abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13, 2026, and recovered on June 10, are also still lying at the JNIMS morgue.

Phungyar AC MLA Leishiyo Keishing strongly condemned the killing of the four Naga civilians, describing the attack along Imphal-Ukhrul road as "barbaric" .

He made the statement while visiting JNIMS morgue to receive the bodies.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, Leishiyo said no family or individual should have to endure such a tragedy.

He maintained that the killing of women, children and other civilians is unjustifiable under any circumstances.

The MLA said the State Government has been making efforts to provide security along the highway but faces challenges in ensuring adequate deployment throughout the stretch, particularly in the forested areas of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

Pointing out that previous attacks were largely carried out through ambushes and long-range weapons, the MLA said the latest incident was different as the attackers came directly onto National Highway-202 and opened fire at point-blank range.

He said the Government needs to review and strengthen security arrangements in the aftermath of the attack.

On the demands raised by CSOs, villagers and members of the public for replacing Central security forces with State forces, Leishiyo said the Government should consider their concerns.

However, he acknowledged that Manipur does not have sufficient State security personnel to meet the demand and called for recruitment and strengthening of the State police force.

The MLA also said Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is scheduled to meet representatives of CSOs and the affected families to discuss the incident and further security measures along the road.

Among those who visited the JNIMS morgue were Nungba AC MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, Chingai AC MLA Khasim Vasum, former Chingai AC MLA MK Preshow Shimray, besides leaders of TKL, TKS, Native People Committee, COCOMI, AMUCO, Imagi Meira and other organisations.

An executive member of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), speaking during the gathering, said an emergency meeting of Tangkhul civil society organisations would be convened to issue a public ultimatum to the State and Central Governments, demanding that all Kuki militants be driven out from Naga areas within three days.

He also demanded that the case be immediately handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) .

The TNL executive member further claimed that yesterday's incident was the fourth such attack at the same location and held the State and Central Governments solely responsible for their failure to protect the lives of innocent civilians.