Imphal, Sept 26: Two Naga civilians were killed and two others injured in an armed attack in Manipur’s Senapati district on Saturday, hours after the United Naga Council (UNC) agreed to temporarily suspend its economic blockade following tripartite talks with the Centre and the Manipur government in Assam. The firing took place around 3 pm at Kalenjang village near Taphou Kuki, with the victims reportedly attacked inside the house of the village headman.

The deceased were identified as Rocky, from Chowainu village under Mao Police Station, and Kumar, from Laii Shirafii village under Tungjoy Police Station, both in Senapati district. Rocky belonged to the Mao Naga community, while Kumar was from the Poumai Naga community.

The identities and condition of the two injured persons were not immediately available. Police personnel reached the area shortly after the firing and began assessing the situation.

Further details, including the recovery of evidence from the scene and police findings, are awaited. Local sources alleged that Kuki militants were behind the attack.

The allegation, however, could not be independently verified by The Assam Tribune, and there was no immediate official confirmation identifying those responsible. The latest killings came two days after four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an armed attack at Pilong in Kamjong district, near the India-Myanmar border, on September 25.

The UNC’s economic blockade was linked to its demands concerning the killing of six Naga men who were abducted in May. Among the UNC’s key demands are revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and justice for the six Naga men who were abducted and subsequently killed.

The Naga body has also sought action against those allegedly involved in the abduction and killings and demanded that the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) be designated a terrorist organisation. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemch and Singh was in the Mao area on Saturday and attended the silver jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, held under the theme “Heritage to Horizons.”

Further details on the incident, including the condition of the injured and the police findings, are awaited.