17-year-old boy shot dead by suspected militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district

Guwahati: A 17-year-old boy was shot dead by suspected militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district on Monday, police said.

A police official in Imphal said the Naga youth, identified as N.K. Wiphenbou, was walking alone from Upper Nkou village to Tamei town when he was attacked by the suspected militants. Naga village volunteers later found his body along a narrow path in the hilly village, the official said.

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Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, former chief minister N Biren Singh and several other leaders separately condemned the incident.

The Chief Minister's Office, in a post on its official X account, said: “Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killing of Mr NK. Wiphenbou, son of Mr NK. Maihinlakbou of Upper Takou village, Tamei Sub-Division, Tamenglong by armed miscreants between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek) today.”

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“The Chief Minister maintained that such act of violence against an innocent student has no place in our society. He conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and comfort in this hour of immense grief.” the statement said.

Former chief minister N Biren Singh also condemned the killing in a post on his official X account.

“Today, it is 17-year-old NK Wiphenbou. Who will be next? The killing of this young student from Upper Takou village, while he was travelling to buy essential commodities, is deeply painful,” he said.

Manipur cannot continue to lose innocent lives to an endless cycle of violence, Biren Singh said, adding that every such death leaves another family shattered and pushes society further away from peace.

“The authorities must act decisively, establish accountability and bring those responsible to justice without delay. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family and to the people of Tamenglong. May God give them strength in this hour of immense grief,” the former chief minister said.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and senior Naga leader and Naga People's Front legislator Awangbou Newmai also condemned the killing, describing it as “cowardly” and “heinous acts of terrorism that target innocent civilians and threaten peace”.

In a statement, Kipgen appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and restraint.

“The safety of innocent civilians must be protected at all times. I also urge that the circumstances leading to the incident be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action be taken as per law,” she said.

According to police officials, more than 40 people have been killed since clashes broke out between the Naga and Kuki communities in February this year.

Over the past month, a series of violent incidents claimed the lives of 12 people, including six women, in Manipur's Jiribam, Tamenglong, Kangpokpi and Noney districts.

Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Noney, Ukhrul and Kamjong have remained among the districts most affected by clashes between the two communities.