Naga bodies back shutdown call of UNC
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, April 20 2026: Strongly condemning the inhumane killing of two Tangkhul Naga men along the Litan-TM Kasom stretch on April 18, Naga bodies have united to endorse the United Naga Council's total shutdown from midnight of April 20 to April 23 across all Naga areas.

As a heavy sense of grief and anger hangs across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, what began as outrage over the incident has now turned into a united call for mourning and protest.

Since UNCs shutdown call, one organisation after another has come forward in support, reflecting a rare moment of collective stand across districts.

The two Tangkhul Naga men whose lives were cut short in their prime-Chinaoshang Shokwungnao of Tashar village and Yaruingam Vashum of Kharasom village- were described by the Naga bodies as unarmed civilians.

Their deaths have struck a deep chord, especially in the hill districts.

In Senapati, the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) did not hold back in its condemnation, calling the killings "barbaric and senseless" .

The NPO in a press release said the shutdown will be strictly observed and implemented across all areas under its jurisdiction.

This includes closure of all Central and State Government offices, banks, both private and Government educational institutions and restrictions on all vehicular movements.

Only essential services such as medical emergencies, examination-related duties, airport, electricity, water supply, fire and media services will be exempted.

NPO has urged the public to extend their full cooperation in observing the three-day mourning and total shutdown in letter and spirit.

A similar mood is visible in Tamenglong.

The civil society organizations in Tamenglong have backed all UNC resolutions, calling the TM Kasom incident not just a killing, but an attack on the dignity and safety of the Naga people.

They have also announced a candlelight vigil on April 23 evening across the district.

Adding to the chorus, the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) has urged people to observe the shutdown with discipline and unity, while keeping the protest peaceful.

The message from most groups remains consistent, grief must be shown, but without losing control on the ground.

The Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR) has asked all institutions under its jurisdiction to remain closed and further encouraged people to gather for a vigil in Tamei.

The Maring Uparap Assembly (MUA) has made a similar appeal, asking people to respect the shutdown and join remembrance gatherings.

In Chandel, the Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) has also come out in full support, reinforcing not just the shutdown but also the call to suspend social and economic ties during the mourning period, something rooted in customary practice.

Additionally, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has also expressed its strongest condemnation calling it a "direct assault on the dignity, safety and inherent rights of the Naga people to live in peace within our own homeland, and a direct existential threat to the Naga people" .

Extending their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Federation has urged the concerned authorities to initiate immediate, impartial and stringent action against the perpetrators of this dastardly crime.

Further, the Federation issued a stem and unequivocal warning that any form of aggression, intimidation or violence against the Naga people will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In solidarity with the resolutions adopted by Naga civil bodies, a candlelight vigil will be held on April 23 at 6:30 pm at NSF Oking, Kohima, to honour the departed souls and to collectively reaffirm their commitment to justice and existential rights, said NSF .

In the aftermath of the TM Kasom ambush, some organisations have pointed fingers at the State Government, questioning how such an attack could take place, especially so soon after the Chief Minister's visit to Ukhrul district.

For now, across the hills, daily life is expected to pause.

Shops will remain shut, roads largely empty, and communities will gather in silence with candles on the final day, not just to mourn the two lives lost, but to send a message that the anger and pain are shared.

Comment