Gun fight erupts between police, militants
Source: The Sangai Express
Chandel, February 29 2016:
A gun fight between police personnel who were accompanying protesting villagers and suspected NSCN (IM) cadres erupted at Aimol Satu today.
The incident occurred following the death of one assistant teacher of Molnom Junior High School who was beaten to death by suspected NSCN (IM) last evening at Aimol Satu village.
The deceased Ts Thongkhogin Haokip alias Ts Agin (54), s/o Ts Holkhajang Haokip of Molnom village was reportedly kidnapped and physically assaulted by the militants.
He succumbed to his injuries early this morning.
A large number of people of Molnom village carried the body and headed to Aimol Satu after the village authority of Aimol Satu failed to turn up for a meeting.
On reaching Aimol Satu village, infuriated villagers dismantled the village gate and tried to place the body inside the house where the deceased was reportedly beaten up.
However, soon after the villagers reached the said house, some armed militants started firing several rounds towards the protesting villagers.
A team of police personnel who came along with the villagers retaliated and opened fire.
There is no report of any casualty though three houses and two vehicles have been partially damaged.
Protesting the incident, Imphal-Moreh road was blocked by the villagers.
A team of Thoubal and Chandel police personnel along with Chandel SP had to rush in to control the situation.
Meanwhile, a joint meeting was held in connection with the incident between the representatives of the State Government led by Chandel DC Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, Chandel SP N Herojit and public at Molnoi village.
During the meeting, the public leaders resolved to suspend the proposed mass agitation after being assured that the involved individuals will be arrested within 24 hours.