A 48-hour shutdown brought normal life to a standstill in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, following the killing of four cadres of NSCN (Eastern Flank) in an alleged attack that has triggered widespread outrage.
The shutdown, observed across district headquarters and adjoining areas, entered its second consecutive day, severely disrupting daily life. Markets remained closed, roads were largely deserted with minimal vehicular movement, and educational institutions and commercial establishments stayed shut.
However, essential services such as medical emergencies, water supply, and electricity continued without disruption, officials said.
The protest was called in response to the killing of four cadres at Hongbei village on March 28, allegedly involving members of NSCN (IM).
The incident has drawn strong reactions from civil society groups and student organisations, many of whom termed it a “fratricidal act.”
The Kamjong Katamnao Long (KKL) said the killings have deepened public anguish and called for accountability.
In a joint statement, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and its frontal organisations—Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang (TNAL), Tangkhul Students’ Union (TSL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL)—demanded swift justice and clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The groups urged the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) to ensure that justice is delivered without delay and that the bereaved families receive answers.
Echoing similar concerns, the United Naga Council (UNC) said the killings have “saddened and shattered the Naga people at a time when unity is most needed,” and called for action against those responsible.
The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) also condemned the violence, describing it as a serious internal conflict. It called for a thorough, transparent, and impartial inquiry and urged restraint to prevent further divisions.
Despite the tense situation, authorities said law and order remain under control, with no major untoward incidents reported. Security forces and administrative officials are closely monitoring developments.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed for calm, especially among the Tangkhul Naga community, urging cooperation with the administration to restore normalcy.
Calling the incident “unfortunate,” he said on March 29 that the government is taking the matter seriously and assured that “the law will take its own course.”
Tensions had escalated further after an angry mob allegedly set fire to the NSCN-IM’s Wung Tangkhul Region Secretariat, reflecting the volatile mood in the region following the killings.
