Imphal: A 17-year-old youth was shot dead by suspected militants in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on Monday, according to local police.

The victim, identified as NK Wiphenbou, a Naga youth, was walking alone from Upper Nkou village toward Tamei town when he was ambushed at around 10:30 AM. Naga village volunteers later discovered his body along a narrow path.

Senior Naga leader and Naga People's Front legislator Awangbou Newmai strongly condemned the killing, characterising it as a direct assault on innocent civilians.

"Such barbaric violence has no justification and no place in a civilised society," Newmai said in a statement, describing the shooting as "cowardly" and an act of "heinous acts of terrorism that target innocent civilians and threaten peace".

Newmai added that the teenager was simply on his way to Tamei to purchase essential supplies for his household when he was gunned down. He also offered his condolences to the victim's family.

Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also condemned the incident, calling for urgent government action to halt the ongoing unrest."Manipur cannot continue to lose innocent lives to this endless cycle of violence," Singh stated. In a social media post, he added: "The authorities must act decisively, establish accountability and bring those responsible to justice without delay."

The tragic killing comes amid sustained ethnic strife in the region. Official sources report that more than 40 people have lost their lives since clashes broke out between the Naga and Kuki communities in February. The violence has been particularly severe across several districts, including Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Noney, Ukhrul, and Kamjong. (PTI)