Unidentified gunmen on Thursday (August 27, 2026) ambushed travellers on a village road, killing four Naga civilians.

The incident occurred around 8.30 a.m. between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages in the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district.

Preliminary reports said the gunmen fired upon at least six people who were travelling from Makui to Senapati, a Naga-majority district. Details of the attack were awaited.

According to the villagers, the deceased were identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, Mariakdibou Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai, and Wisobou Charenamai.

While Gaikamang Ringkangmai was injured, one Japou M.K. was reported missing.

The ambush was carried out at a time when the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led Manipur government was continuing its efforts to restore peace in the ethnic violence-scarred State. These efforts included the resumption of the Imphal-Guwahati bus service via the arterial National Highway-2, which was blockaded for more than three years after the conflict between the Kuki-Zos and Meiteis erupted on May 3, 2023.

The highway passes through Kuki- and Naga-inhabited areas.

In February, the situation in Manipur took another turn following a series of attacks, including arson, involving the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities.

The Manipur government and State authorities did not immediately react to Thursday’s ambush.