The Riha Village Authority expresses its strongest condemnation of the brutal and unprovoked assault carried out against four residents of Riha village on 2nd March 2026 at Namthilok along NH-202.
The press release issued by Riha Village Authority stated that, “the victims were travelling towards Riha village in a Maruti Alto when a minor and unintended vehicular misjudgment occurred due to sunlight reflection and a mechanical fault. The driver immediately admitted the mistake and apologised in good faith in an effort to resolve the matter peacefully. However, the situation was deliberately inflamed when an elderly co-passenger from the opposing vehicle made a provocative and communal remark taunting the victims. Despite this, the victims exercised utmost restraint and continued to pursue a peaceful settlement. Within a few minutes, a group of around twenty or more suspected Kuki militants arrived at the spot and launched a coordinated and targeted physical attack along ethnic lines.
“The victims sustained multiple injuries, as confirmed by medical reports, and the vehicle was extensively damaged. It is a matter of grave concern that central security forces stationed only a few metres away from the incident site remained passive and did not intervene during the assault. Such inaction has seriously shaken public confidence and poses a direct threat to the safety and free movement of civilians along this route.
“This incident is not merely an act of violence against individuals but a direct challenge to peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights of our people.”
In view of the above, the Riha Village Authority firmly demands:
• Adequate and effective security arrangements to ensure safe and unhindered movement of commuters
• Proper medical care, protection, and justice for the victims
• Deployment of responsible security forces to prevent the recurrence of such incidents
• Strict legal action against those spreading false and malicious narratives regarding the incident
• Concrete steps to secure the area from armed miscreants and restore public confidence
Riha village has always stood for peace, mutual respect, and lawful conduct, and our people demonstrated maximum restraint even in the face of grave provocation. However, we make it unequivocally clear that there will be no compromise whatsoever until justice is delivered, the perpetrators are brought to book, and the safety and dignity of our people are fully ensured.
“We urge the Government and the concerned authorities to take immediate and decisive action so that the rule of law prevails and such incidents do not recur” stated the press release issued by Riha Village Authority, Kamjong District, Manipur.
