Manipur: Four Civilians Killed in Armed Ambush on Imphal-Ukhrul Highway
Four people were killed after unidentified armed attackers opened fire on two vehicles near New Heaven along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Security forces have launched search and cordon operations.
IMPHAL/UKHRUL- Four civilians were killed on Friday when unknown armed miscreants opened fire on two vehicles along National Highway 202 (Imphal–Ukhrul Road) in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. The ambush took place at around 1:00 pm near New Heaven under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station.
Two of the victims were travelling in a Maruti Swift, while the other two were in a Bolero pickup when the attack occurred. All four sustained fatal bullet injuries and died at the spot. Bullet marks were visible on the windshields of both vehicles.
The deceased have been identified as Kapangkhui RS and Haoleila (or Haoleia) RS, both residents of Shangshak village, and August Ngalung and Khanmila, both residents of Tashar village. Reports indicate the Shangshak pair were siblings and the Tashar pair a mother and son.
Also Read- Manipur: Joint Forces Destroy 45 Acres of Illicit Poppy at Thangjing Hill Range
Official and police statements
Manipur Police, in an official statement, confirmed the details of the incident: “On 13th November, 2026, at about 1:00 PM, unknown armed miscreants opened fire on a Maruti Swift car and a Bolero pickup vehicle at New Heaven along NH-202 (Imphal–Ukhrul Road), under Litan Police Station, Ukhrul District. In the incident, four persons… sustained fatal bullet injuries and succumbed on the spot.”
The police added that additional security forces comprising Manipur Police, BSF, Army and Assam Rifles have been rushed to the area to reinforce security and prevent further untoward incidents. Search operations have been launched in and around the site to trace and apprehend those involved.
Senior police officers described the attackers as suspected militants or armed rebels. The incident came a day after a separate firing in the neighbouring Senapati-Kangpokpi area that left a Kuki woman dead and others injured, amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.
Also Read- Thousands of Tangkhul Nagas Rally in Ukhrul and Kamjong, Demand Assam Rifles Withdrawal
Congress Legislature Party reaction
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader K. Meghachandra strongly criticised both the state and central governments for their failure to stem the continuing violence. He questioned the governments’ accountability and responsibility, stating that official condolences cannot replace the lives of innocent people lost.
Meghachandra demanded that the government take concrete action and produce a clear roadmap to peace. He asserted that people can no longer be expected to live in constant fear and called for the resignation of the state government if it is unable to control the law-and-order situation and protect citizens’ lives. He condemned the killings of civilians from different communities and stressed that lasting peace requires dialogue, justice and decisive measures rather than further violence.
Security forces continue search and cordon operations in the area as the investigation proceeds. The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the security situation along key highways in Manipur.
