The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has called a 24-hour emergency total shutdown across its jurisdiction in protest against the killing of four Tangkhul Naga civilians in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
The shutdown began at 7 am on September 25 and will continue until 7 am on September 26, 2026, according to the organisation’s statement. The decision followed the reported killings at Pilong village near the Indo-Myanmar border on September 24.
Four Civilians Killed in Pilong
Four Tangkhul Naga civilians were reportedly killed in an attack at Pilong in Kamjong district on Thursday.
The victims were identified as Phami Jajo of Kangpat Khullen, Vareishim Jajo of Kangpat Khullen, Ningthem Kashak of Zingsui and Betterson Jajo of Kangpat Khunou. Reports said Phami Jajo and Vareishim Jajo were father and son.
Pilong lies around 35 kilometres from the Kamjong district headquarters and close to the international border with Myanmar.
According to reports, a fifth person who was with the group escaped the attack and informed authorities. Police have said the attackers may have come from across the Indo-Myanmar border.
TNL Calls for 24-Hour Shutdown
Following the incident, the Tangkhul Naga Long held an emergency meeting and decided to call the shutdown.
The organisation directed people within its jurisdiction to observe the protest from Friday morning. The shutdown covers normal activities, but the TNL has specifically excluded several essential services.
Medical services, electricity and fire services will continue during the shutdown. The organisation has also allowed movement connected with funerals and condolence programmes.
The exemption of essential services is intended to ensure that critical public services continue despite the shutdown.
TNL Alleges Involvement of KNA-B
In its statement, the TNL alleged that suspected cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and other armed Kuki groups were responsible for the killings.
The allegation has not been independently verified. Different reports have also described the attackers as armed miscreants who may have crossed from the Myanmar side of the border.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to establish publicly all details about the identities and affiliations of the attackers.
Attack Took Place Near Myanmar Border
The location of the incident has raised additional security concerns because Pilong lies in a remote border area.
Reports place the attack near international border pillars in the Kangpat area. The region’s difficult terrain and proximity to Myanmar can create challenges for security forces and emergency responders.
The incident comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Manipur. Several districts have experienced violence involving armed groups and communities during the state’s prolonged conflict.
The latest killings have added to concerns among residents in the affected area.
Shutdown Exempts Essential Services
The TNL has made clear that essential services will remain outside the scope of the shutdown.
These include:
- Medical services
- Power supply
- Fire services
- Funeral-related movement
- Condolence programmes
- Other essential services
The organisation has asked residents within its jurisdiction to follow the shutdown while allowing necessary movement connected with the deaths and related ceremonies.
Concern Over Security in Kamjong
The killings have renewed concerns about security in Kamjong district, particularly in areas close to the Myanmar border.
Kamjong shares an international boundary with Myanmar and contains several remote settlements. Residents in these areas can face difficulties in accessing emergency services because of distance and terrain.
Security agencies have continued to monitor border areas to prevent movement by armed groups and other illegal activities.
The latest incident is likely to bring renewed attention to security arrangements in the region and the protection of civilians living near the international border.
Impact of the Shutdown
A shutdown can affect normal public and commercial activity across the areas where it applies. Markets, transport services, shops and other establishments may experience disruptions depending on the level of compliance.
However, the TNL’s exemption of essential services means that medical facilities, power supply and fire services can continue operating.
Movement related to funerals and condolence programmes will also remain permitted. This allows communities to participate in ceremonies following the deaths without violating the shutdown order.
Authorities Face Security Challenge
The latest incident presents another security challenge for authorities in Manipur. Protecting civilians in remote border areas requires coordination between local administration, police and other security agencies.
The government and security forces will also need to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify those responsible through investigation.
Maintaining security in the area is particularly important for preventing further attacks and protecting residents.
Manipur Remains Under Security Watch
The TNL’s shutdown comes against the backdrop of continuing violence and security concerns in Manipur. Recent incidents in Naga-inhabited areas have raised concerns about the safety of civilians.
The killing of four Tangkhul Naga civilians at Pilong has now prompted a major community response through the 24-hour shutdown.
As the protest continues through September 26 morning, attention remains focused on the investigation into the killings, security measures in Kamjong and the situation along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The TNL has called for the shutdown as a protest against the deaths, while authorities face the task of establishing the facts behind the attack and maintaining peace in the affected areas.