Suspected Kuki militants gun down teenager
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2026: A 17 year old youth was ambushed and gunned down by suspected Kuki militants in between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek), under Tamei sub-division, Tamenglong district.

The deceased victim has been identified as NK Wiphenbou s/o NK Maihinlakbou of Upper Takou village, Tamei sub-division.

Wiphenbou was travelling alone towards Tamei to buy some essential commodities for his family when he was ambushed by heavily armed Kuki militants at around 10.30 am today.

People in the nearby areas heard more than 20 rounds of gunshots, sources said.

Suspected Kuki militants gun down teenager

As the villagers rushed to the direction of the gunshots soon after the firing ceased, they found Wiphenbou lying dead with bullet wounds on the roadside.

Soon after the incident, a team of Tamei Police and senior police officers of Tamenglong district rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.

While a case has been registered at Tamei police station, the body of the teenager has been taken to Tamenglong district hospital for postmortem.

The brutal murder of the young boy has sparked a tense situation in the area, said the sources.

In view of the tense situation, additional security forces have also rushed to prevent any further acts of violence, said the sources.

Meanwhile, MLA Awangbow Newmai and several organisations including Joint Tribe Students' Association (JTSA), Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (IPFM) and Manipur Naga Youth Organisation have vehemently condemned the killing of the teenage boy.

Saying that such barbaric violence has no justification and no place in a civilized society, Awangbow Newmai has extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

According to a press release issued by the JTSA, the ambush which killed the teenager was carried out by Kuki SoO groups-- KNF(P) and KRA .

It recalled that Chawangkining Naga village was subjected to continuous attacks by Kuki militants using heavy weapons and explosives on September 16-17, 2026 .

Subsequently, on September 19, seven Kuki militants affiliated with KNF(P), KNF(N) and KRA were reportedly arrested by CRPF CoBRA personnel but all the arrested Kuki militants were released later that evening.

And today, Kuki narco-terrorists have killed a Naga student, the JTSA said before questioning the Government's decision (to release the arrested Kuki militants) and whether armed groups are being treated with double standards.

It said that Kuki militants have been repeatedly attacking Naga people and they are taking shelter in SoO camps with total impunity with no action from Manipur Police and Central forces including CRPF's CoBRA .

Saying that the killing of the teenager has put the spotlight on the growing security threats faced by indigenous communities and the rising concerns over the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, the MNYO has reiterated its demand for a comprehensive review of the SoO agreement.

The MNYO has also questioned the grounds on which individuals arrested in connection with the arson and vandalism at Chawangkining village were released.

While expressing their condolences to the family of NK Wiphenbou, the JTSA, MNYO and IPFM have demanded a time-bound investigation, arrest and punishment of all the culprits under the full force of law.

The JTSA has also demanded enhanced security measures to safeguard innocent villagers, students and civilians in vulnerable areas and an assurance that justice will be delivered without delay or discrimination.