Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on September 21 condemned the killing of 17-year-old Naga youth NK Wiphenbou in Tamenglong district, calling it an act of violence against an innocent student.
Police said Wiphenbou was allegedly shot dead by suspected militants while travelling alone from Upper Nkou village towards Tamei town at around 10.30 am. Naga village volunteers later found his body along a narrow path between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek).
Reacting to the killing, Khemchand said the incident had “no place in our society” and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. “I strongly condemn the killing of Mr NK Wiphenbou… by armed miscreants between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek) today,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also condemned the killing and said the state could not continue to lose innocent lives to violence. He called for the authorities to establish accountability and bring those responsible to justice.
Naga People’s Front legislator and senior Naga leader Awangbou Newmai described the killing as a “cowardly” and “heinous” act targeting civilians. He said Wiphenbou was travelling to Tamei to purchase essential items for his family when he was allegedly gunned down and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
The killing came amid continuing tensions and violence involving Naga and Kuki communities in parts of Manipur. Officials said more than 40 people had been killed since clashes between the two communities began in February, with Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Noney, Ukhrul and Kamjong among the affected districts.
