IMPHAL — Ethnic tensions in Manipur reached a boiling point on Monday after a 17-year-old Naga youth was shot dead by suspected militants in the Tamei area of Tamenglong district.
The victim, identified as NK Wiphenbou, a resident of Takou Naga village, was ambushed around 10:30 AM while walking to Tamei town to purchase essential food items. Local village volunteers rushed to the spot after hearing nearly 20 rounds of gunfire, discovering Wiphenbou’s body on a narrow pathway.
The United Naga Council sharply condemned the attack, blaming Kuki militants for targeting an innocent student. However, the Kuki Youth Organization strongly denied the allegations, stating their community had no involvement in the shooting.
The targeted killing has sparked widespread outrage, with former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Naga leader Awangbow Newmai demanding immediate justice and urging central authorities to intervene. Security forces have launched massive combing operations in the surrounding hills to track down the perpetrators.
This fatal shooting marks a dangerous escalation in the region. More than 40 people have lost their lives in a wave of clashes between the Naga and Kuki communities since February 2026.