A 58-year-old Naga community member and village guard, Chunjanglung Panmei, was shot dead inside a forest in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Monday, 8 June, hours after he had ventured into the woods to collect firewood, according to officials. His body was recovered with multiple bullet injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head.

How the Incident Unfolded

Panmei, a resident of the area near Loibol Khullen, had gone into the forested, mountainous terrain of Kangpokpi for routine firewood collection when gunshots were heard from the vicinity. Villagers from neighbouring settlements, along with security personnel, rushed to the spot and subsequently recovered his body.

The killing comes just three days after three civilians, including a woman, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen near Loibol Khullen on 5 June — deepening alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the district.

Naga Organisations Condemn the Killing

The Naga People's Organisation (NPO) described the killing as a 'cold-blooded murder', alleging that Panmei was not targeted for any wrongdoing but was killed solely on account of his Naga identity. The organisation has demanded an immediate, thorough, and time-bound investigation and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The Pongringlong Youth Club, another local Naga body, also strongly condemned the incident and echoed demands for swift action against those responsible.

What the Chief Minister Said

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed profound anguish over the killing, terming it a 'heinous and cowardly act of violence against an innocent civilian.' He confirmed that the Manipur Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are conducting active operations to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

Singh also assured that the state government would extend all possible support to the bereaved family and appealed to all communities to maintain peace, refrain from responding to provocations, and cooperate with law enforcement.

Broader Security Context

The killing of Panmei is the latest in a series of targeted attacks on civilians in Manipur's hill districts, where ethnic tensions have remained volatile. Kangpokpi district, in particular, has seen recurring violence, with community-based organisations increasingly raising concerns about the safety of ordinary residents going about daily activities. The pattern of attacks on individuals identified by community affiliation has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups across the state.

Security forces are expected to intensify operations in the region as pressure mounts on the state administration to restore confidence among affected communities.