Killing of Naga minor boy : Nemcha, Dikho lead in condemning killing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2026: The killing of NK Wiphenbou, a 17-year-old boy, in an ambush by suspected Kuki militants in Tamenglong district yesterday has courted widespread condemnations from different sectors.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, village authorities and many civil bodies have condemned the killing in the strongest terms and called for swift apprehension of the culprits involved.

"It is with profound shock and anguish that I learned of the senseless and unprovoked murder of Mr NK Wiphenbou yesterday.

To lose a 17-year-old student, a boy with so much potential and a bright future ahead of him, is an irreplaceable loss not just for Takou village, but for our entire State," said Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho in a message.

Killing of Naga minor boy : Nemcha, Dikho lead in condemning killing

While condemning the killing in the strongest terms, Dikho urged "both communities" to immediately halt violence.

Violence only brings profound suffering to the innocent and the weaker sections of the society.

"Ultimately, no one stands to gain from this endless cycle of destruction.

There is no place in our society for such senseless bloodshed," he said.

Dikho also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family members and assured that the Government and the people are with them.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has also condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Kipgen described the teenager's death as "deeply distressing" and said the loss of a young life under such circumstances was a matter of serious concern.

"The safety of innocent civilians must be protected at all times," she said.

The Deputy Chief Minister conveyed her condo- lences to the bereaved family and said she shared their grief.

Kipgen also appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and exercise restraint, stressing the need to prevent further harm to civilians amid continuing security concerns in the region.

She urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the teenager's death and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

The Nkou (Takou) Village Authority and several civil society organisations including the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long, Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi and All Manipur Nupi Marup too condemned the killing calling on the Government to launch a swift and impartial investigation.

In a statement, the Working Committee, TNL alleged that the brutal murder was executed by Kuki militant groups namely Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), Kuki National Front-Presidential (KNF-P), Kuki National Front-Nehlun (KNF-N) and other Kuki terror outfits operating under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, a self-styled commander and Home Secretary of KNF and UPF .

It alleged that the Kuki insurgent groups, under guise of being parts of the Suspension of Operations (SoO), are involved in killings, looting and narco-terrorism activities.

Since the outbreak of the violent "Kuki-Naga conflict", the Kuki terror groups have not spared innocent civilians, women, children, it alleged.

The committee extended condolences to the bereaved family, and reaffirmed that "the Tangkhul community will always stand by with our fellow brothers and sisters in the face of adversaries who threaten our land, identity and people" .

The Nkou (Takou) Village Authority condemned the killing of the minor and said it was a cowardly and inhumane act.

Holding SoO insurgent groups KNF-P and KRA responsible for the ambush, the VA said the minor was walking on foot to Tamei for his studies when he was shot "multiple times" and killed.

"The life of an innocent student cannot be treated as expendable.

The Nkou (Takou) Village Authority therefore calls upon the Government of Manipur to take immediate and decisive action, ensure a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation, identify and arrest all those responsible, and bring them before the law without favour or exception," it said.

The VA further sought immediate deployment of security forces and security operations in the area to protect civilians from further attacks.

The death of Wiphenbou Nkhapuinamai must not be allowed to become another forgotten casualty of violence.

His family deserves justice, and the people deserve security and accountability, it added.

The Zeliangrong Welfare Association, Delhi expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and friends of Wiphenbou and called on the Central Government and the State Government to take decisive actions to deliver justice.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup held SoO insurgent groups responsible for the attacks on civilians, and urged the Government to declare the groups as terrorist organisations.

Seeking justice for Wiphenbou, the Nupi Marup also sought an answer from the State Home Minister for the recent release of 7 alleged Kuki insurgents after being arrested by security forces in Kangpokpi district.