Imphal, March 29 (NationPress) A furious crowd set fire to the office of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) in the Ukhrul district of Manipur on Sunday, according to officials.

A police spokesperson from Imphal reported that the mob targeted the NSCN-IM's Wung regional office following the fatal shooting of four cadres, allegedly by members of a rival faction, in the nearby Kamjong district on Saturday.

Tensions have been rising in both Ukhrul and Kamjong districts since Sunday morning after news of the killings spread.

Ukhrul district, known for its ongoing unrest, borders Nagaland and shares an international boundary with Myanmar, while Kamjong district also has unfenced stretches along the Myanmar border.

"An enraged mob descended upon the NSCN-IM Wung regional office, claiming that members of the outfit were complicit in the deaths of the four cadres. The crowd insisted on immediate action against those accountable," the police official stated.

During the clash, the office was set ablaze.

As of now, no injuries have been reported.

Sources from within the NSCN-IM indicated that no order had been issued from the organization's headquarters for action against any group or individual.

The NSCN-IM has initiated an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding the killings and the ensuing violence.

According to officials, the four cadres were killed by members of a rival faction at Hongbei village in Kamjong district on Saturday.

The assailants reportedly ambushed a vehicle carrying six cadres, opening fire and resulting in four deaths at the scene. Two others were able to flee.

A police team arrived on Sunday to recover the bodies.

In the meantime, a delegation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Ukhrul, accompanied by state Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, met with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Secretariat to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

In a Facebook update, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh noted: "I met with a delegation from Ukhrul CSOs, along with the State Home Minister and MLAs, to discuss the current unrest, tensions, and developmental issues in the district."

The Chief Minister emphasized, "Enhancing infrastructure is a top priority for the Union government, while fostering communal harmony is crucial for inclusive, sustainable growth. Peace is fundamental to all development efforts, and we must work collectively to restore stability and boost growth in Ukhrul."

A series of events have unfolded in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts since February this year, exacerbating regional tensions.

On March 11, 21 civilians from the Tangkhul Naga community were detained by Kuki villagers and armed individuals in Ukhrul district.

This incident occurred at Shangkai when the group was traveling in three vehicles along the Ukhrul–Imphal route.

After extensive negotiations involving community leaders and police, all detainees were released on March 12.

Expressing their sorrow over the recent killings, the NSCN-IM issued a statement clarifying that no orders were given from the General Headquarters (in Nagaland) to attack or retaliate against any groups at this critical moment.

"An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The individuals responsible for this botched operation will face consequences as per the NARR (Naga Army Rules and Regulations). We urge the public to exercise caution and not be swayed by social media narratives," the statement concluded.