IT Road Ambush: Survivor Recounts Attack That Killed Four Nagas in Kangpokpi
Kangpokpi, August 28: Gaikamang Ringkangmai, 44, who survived the August 27 ambush on the Imphal-Tamei (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district, has recounted the attack that left four Naga civilians dead.
Ringkangmai, a resident of Makui village, sustained a gunshot wound to his left forearm during the attack. He said the group was travelling along the IT Road, a route frequently used by commuters, when they came under fire.
According to Ringkangmai, he witnessed the attack from close range while hiding behind foliage after being injured. He alleged that the attackers were wearing uniforms and were positioned in pairs.
He further claimed that the attackers had red ribbons tied to their rifles while firing at the victims. Ringkangmai also said some of the attackers had long hair and alleged that they pushed the vehicle further into the terrain following the ambush.
The attack reportedly occurred at around 8:30 am on August 27, between Makui Asang and Thanamba Naga village along the IT Road.
Four people were killed in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice president of the Liangmai Naga Council; Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; and Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both executive members of the Makui Youth Club.
The mortal remains of the four victims were brought to Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning under CRPF escort. The bodies were kept at the hospital for post-mortem examination.
Japou MK, a student leader of Thonglang Akutpa, was also among the six people travelling in the vehicle and survived the attack.
The survivor’s account has provided details about the circumstances of the ambush and the events witnessed at the scene. Further investigation is expected to establish the identities and motive of those responsible for the attack.
