Manipur Assembly Naga killings became a major point of contention on Thursday as ruling and opposition legislators exchanged sharp remarks over the investigation into the deaths of Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district. The debate centred on arrests, allegations of involvement by Kuki National Front (P) cadres and the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in establishing the facts.
Manipur Assembly Naga killings draw opposition criticism
During Question Hour in the ongoing eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings. He also said there was no concrete information available to establish allegations that cadres of the Kuki National Front (P), or KNF(P), were involved.
Konthoujam said the NIA was investigating the case and assured legislators that anyone found responsible would face action under the law. He added that the state government was following up with the central agency as the investigation progresses.
The minister’s response drew a strong reaction from Congress MLA K. Ranjit Singh. The opposition legislator criticised the government’s handling of the investigation and questioned the continued reliance on the NIA probe.
Ranjit remarked, “Please, work hard,” and sarcastically suggested that the government could hand over its responsibilities to the NIA. His comments added to the tension during the Assembly proceedings.
CM stresses difference between claims and evidence
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh intervened in the exchange and stressed the importance of distinguishing public allegations from findings established through investigation.
The chief minister referred to allegations surrounding the village chief of Leilon Vaiphei. Calls had reportedly been made for his arrest over alleged involvement in the killings. Khemchand, however, said the NIA investigation established that the village chief had been in Guwahati for medical treatment for more than a week before the incident.
The chief minister said such findings demonstrate why allegations should not automatically be treated as evidence. He maintained that investigators should be allowed to establish the facts before responsibility is assigned.
The exchange reflects the political sensitivity surrounding violence involving different communities in Manipur, where allegations and counter-allegations have repeatedly added to tensions.
Four Naga civilians killed in Kangpokpi
The latest Assembly debate follows the August 27 ambush in Kangpokpi district, in which four Naga civilians were killed along the Imphal-Tamenglong road. The attack took place at about 8.30 am between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga village.
The victims belonged to the Liangmai Naga community. Reports identified those killed as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, a school principal; Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both associated with the Makui Youth Club; and another Naga civilian. One person was also injured in the attack.
The victims were travelling in a vehicle when armed assailants opened fire. Security personnel later retrieved the bodies from the area and transported them towards Senapati district headquarters. The incident prompted a shutdown in Senapati and a one-day Genna across Naga areas.
Naga organisations accused Kuki armed groups of involvement, while officials said the identity of the attackers was yet to be conclusively established. The competing claims have further complicated efforts to calm tensions in the region.
Investigation remains closely watched
The Kangpokpi killings came against the backdrop of another serious case involving Naga civilians in the district. In May, 18 people, mostly Liangmai Nagas, were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei while returning from a wedding ceremony. Twelve were released the following day, while six were later found dead.
The NIA is also investigating that case. According to the Home Minister’s statement in the Assembly, four suspects have now been arrested, while the identities of four additional suspected accomplices have emerged during the investigation.
Konthoujam also said an allegation involving a Manipur Police constable had been examined and the investigation established that the constable was not involved and had been on official duty at the relevant time.
The government has maintained that investigations must determine individual responsibility rather than relying on unverified claims. At the same time, Naga legislators and civil society groups have continued to demand stronger action and accountability.
The latest Manipur Assembly Naga killings debate highlights the difficult balance between political scrutiny, community concerns and the need for evidence-based investigation. With tensions still present in Kangpokpi and neighbouring areas, the findings of ongoing probes are likely to remain under close public and political watch. Authorities face continued pressure to identify those responsible, protect civilians and ensure that the pursuit of justice does not deepen existing community divisions.
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