Nemcha Kipgen has condemned the killing of civilians at Kailenjang in Manipur’s Senapati district and urged people to reject further violence. The Deputy Chief Minister also called for a thorough investigation into the September 26 shooting.
The attack initially killed two Naga civilians and injured two others. However, one of the injured men, 49-year-old Ashiho Sani, later died in hospital early on September 27, raising the death toll to three. Another injured civilian remains under treatment.
Nemcha Kipgen condemns Kailenjang attack
Nemcha Kipgen expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the victims’ families. She also wished the injured civilian a speedy recovery.
The Deputy Chief Minister called for authorities to investigate the shooting and identify those responsible. She stressed the need to maintain peace and prevent the latest incident from triggering further tension between communities.
Police identified the two men killed at the scene as Rocky Mao of Chowainamai village and Kumar Poumai of Laii Shirafii village. Both belonged to communities based in Senapati district.
Police investigate deadly shooting
The shooting took place at around 2.45 pm on Saturday at Kailenjang, according to police officials. Armed individuals opened fire, killing two civilians and injuring Adani Manio and Ashiho Sani.
Security personnel reached the area after the attack and began examining the circumstances. Authorities have not publicly established the identity of the attackers or confirmed a motive.
Some local reports and organisations have alleged that armed Kuki groups carried out the attack. However, those allegations have not been independently established. Police continue to investigate the incident and the identities of those responsible.
Sani later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital around 3 am on September 27. His death pushed the toll from the Kailenjang attack to three.
Nemcha Kipgen urges restraint
Nemcha Kipgen’s appeal came amid fresh violence affecting Naga civilians in Manipur’s hill districts. Just two days before the Kailenjang shooting, four Tangkhul Naga civilians died in an attack at Pilong village in Kamjong district near the Myanmar border.
The two incidents have increased concern over renewed clashes in areas where communities remain vulnerable to armed attacks. Consequently, calls for restraint have gained greater urgency as authorities assess the latest violence.
Nemcha Kipgen urged people to avoid retaliatory actions and preserve peace. Her appeal also comes as civil society organisations demand investigations and stronger protection for civilians.
UNC ends four-month blockade
The Kailenjang attack also occurred on the same day that the United Naga Council suspended its four-month economic blockade along Manipur’s national highways.
The UNC announced the decision after tripartite talks involving the Centre, the Manipur government and Naga representatives in Guwahati. The blockade had focused on several demands linked to recent killings and security concerns in Naga-inhabited areas.
The timing added another layer of concern because the shooting came shortly before the blockade suspension took effect. Nevertheless, authorities have not established a direct connection between the blockade and the Kailenjang attack.
The latest violence has also placed renewed attention on security arrangements in Manipur’s hill districts.
Nemcha Kipgen calls for peace and accountability
Nemcha Kipgen has placed civilian safety and accountability at the centre of her response to the Kailenjang killings. Her appeal comes as police work to establish the circumstances of the shooting and identify those responsible.
The death of Ashiho Sani has deepened the impact of an attack that initially left two people dead and two injured. Meanwhile, another victim continues to receive medical treatment.
The authorities now face pressure to complete the investigation, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further violence. For Manipur, the immediate challenge remains stopping fresh attacks while addressing the grievances that continue to fuel tension across several hill districts.
Nemcha Kipgen’s call for peace comes against that backdrop. The investigation into the Kailenjang shooting will determine what happened, who carried out the attack and whether anyone can be held legally responsible. Until those findings emerge, allegations about the attackers should remain unverified.
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