Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Four Naga Civilians Killed Near Manipur’s Myanmar Border
Four men from the Tangkhul Naga community were killed near the Myanmar border in Manipur.
Their bodies were found in Pilong village in Kamjong district.
The men were identified as Vareishim Jajo, Phami Jajo, Betterson Jajo and Ningthem Kashak.
Police said they were investigating an attack involving unidentified armed people.
Local residents said fighters crossed from Myanmar and attacked five villagers.
One villager reportedly escaped and alerted authorities.
Local Naga groups blamed the Kuki National Army-Burma, but police have not confirmed this.
A Naga organization called a one-day shutdown to protest the killings.
Four Tangkhul Naga men were found dead with bullet marks in remote Pilong village, Kamjong district.
Police and residents said the men were part of a group of five villagers allegedly attacked by armed persons.
The victims were identified as Vareishim Jajo, Phami Jajo, Betterson Jajo and Ningthem Kashak.
Police have not confirmed the attackers’ identities; local groups alleged involvement by the Kuki National Army-Burma and other armed groups.
The Tangkhul Naga Long announced a 24-hour shutdown, while police registered a case under the UAPA and Arms Act.
- Who
- The victims were Tangkhul Naga men Vareishim Jajo, Phami Jajo, Betterson Jajo and Ningthem Kashak; the attackers remain unidentified.
- What
- Four civilians were allegedly shot dead in an attack on a group of five villagers.
- When
- The alleged attack occurred on Thursday; the bodies were found early Friday. Reports differ on whether 1:30 referred to the afternoon attack or early-morning discovery.
- Where
- Pilong village, Kamjong district, Manipur, near border pillars 91–93A along the Myanmar border.
- Why
- The motive is unknown. Residents and Naga organizations alleged that Myanmar-based armed groups carried out the attack.
Police Investigation
Local and Naga Organization Allegations
Identity of the attackers
Police Investigation
Police described the assailants as unidentified armed persons suspected of belonging to a Myanmar-based rebel group and said their identity and the circumstances were under investigation.
Local and Naga Organization Allegations
Residents and the Tangkhul Naga Long alleged that cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma and other armed groups carried out the attack.
Cross-border responsibility
Police Investigation
Police confirmed the recovery of four bullet-marked bodies and began investigating, but did not confirm that militants crossed from Myanmar.
Local and Naga Organization Allegations
Residents said militants crossed the international boundary from Myanmar and ambushed five villagers, while the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long accused authorities and border guards of failing to protect villagers.
Response to the killings
Police Investigation
Authorities recovered the bodies, arranged post-mortem examinations and registered a criminal case; Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the violence.
Local and Naga Organization Allegations
The Tangkhul Naga Long called a 24-hour shutdown in protest, and Naga Peoples’ Front president Awangbou Newmai appealed to communities to reject violence and coexist peacefully.
- Deaths
- Four civilians
- Victims
- Vareishim Jajo, Phami Jajo, Betterson Jajo and Ningthem Kashak
- Location
- Pilong village, Kamjong district, Manipur
- Border site
- Near border pillars 91–93A, approximately 30–34 km from district and police headquarters
- Investigation
- Police registered a suo motu case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Arms Act
- Alleged attackers
- Local residents and Naga organizations alleged involvement by the Kuki National Army-Burma and other armed groups; police have not confirmed this
- Public response
- The Tangkhul Naga Long announced a 24-hour shutdown, exempting essential, medical, fire and funeral-related services
