NK Wiphenbou is dead. Police sources in Manipur confirmed that the 17-year-old Naga boy was shot by armed rebels on Monday morning. He was walking alone from Upper Nkou village towards Tamei town to buy food when the attack happened. The incident occurred at 10:30 am, according to local records.
Villagers heard the gunshots first. They reported at least 20 rounds fired from the stretch between Takou and Tamah (Malek). Curious and alarmed, a group of Naga village volunteers moved toward the noise. They found Wiphenbou’s body lying on a narrow pathway. The teenager had been alone, making him an easy target for the assailants.
This killing adds to a grim tally. Since the communal clashes between Naga and Kuki communities began in February, 40 people have died. The violence has concentrated in districts like Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Noney, Ukhrul, and Kamjong. Security forces remain stretched thin across these border areas.
The Tamenglong district police are investigating the incident. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the shooting. The next step involves a forensic examination of the body and a review of the area’s security perimeter to prevent further attacks on civilians.