Imphal, Sept 27: The remains of three Naga civilians killed in the Kailengjang shooting in Manipur’s Senapati district are expected to be taken to their respective villages for burial after a condolence service was held in Senapati on Sunday. The service was held at Traffic Point, Senapati, at 11 am, drawing a large gathering of people who came to pay their last respects to the victims.

The three were killed in the shooting at Kailengjang on Saturday afternoon, which initially left two Naga civilians dead and two others injured. The death toll rose to three early Sunday after 49-year-old Ashiho Sani of Shajouba village, who was critically injured in the attack, succumbed to his injuries at around 3 am at a private hospital, according to local sources.

The two other victims, identified as K. Rocky Osanah of Chowainamai Khullen and Kh.

Kumar of Laii Shirafii, died at the scene. The bodies of Osanah and Kumar were shifted to Senapati District Hospital following the shooting.

Another injured victim, 33-year-old Adani Manio of Makhel, was taken to GetWell Hospital for treatment. At Sunday’s condolence service, representatives of Naga organisations and community bodies paid tribute to the three victims.

Condolence messages were delivered by All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) president, Naga People Organisation vice-president Adakho, Senapati District Women Association vice-president Loliro, Maram Thangal Region secretary Raigi and Naga Youth Senapati representative Paul Chawang. The latest death has added to concerns over civilian casualties amid the ongoing Naga-Kuki conflict.

Naga organisations and local sources have put the number of Naga civilians killed in violence since the conflict escalated at 27, although the figure has not been independently verified. The Kailengjang shooting is among the latest incidents to raise concerns over the safety of civilians in Naga-inhabited areas of Senapati and adjoining districts.