Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2010:
Incidents of violence unleased by unidentified armed persons marred celebration of Kut festival this year in some parts of the State.
According to a late report, one youth sustained bullet injuries when unidentified armed persons opened fire during the Kut celebration held at Kangpokpi Thomas ground on November 1 .
The celebration was held at the district level.
In connection with this incident, the police said that 25-year old Thangoumang Lungdim alias Goupi s/o Jampou of Langol Games Village sustained bullet injuries when unidentified armed persons opened fire while the celebration was going on at around 8.30 pm.
Thangoumang was hit by a bullet on his back, on the left side.
He was immediately rushed to PHC Kangpokpi for treatment.
From there, he has been referred to Shija Hospital.
Police suspected that Thangoumang may have been shot at due to mistaken identity.
On the other hand, atleast three persons including the secretary of Boljol village were reportedly assaulted by around 10 suspected Kuki militants who turned up while the Kut festival was being celebrated at the village level at Boljol village in Churachandpur district on November 1 .
According to a delayed report, the armed persons came at around 9.30 pm and insisted that the Pan Dukans, which have already been instructed by the village authority and the youth club to close for the day, be opened for them.
To that, Suanpao, the village secretary explained that all the shops have been instructed to close down for the day to ensure that no untoward incident occurred during the celebration.
However, without listening to the explanation the armed persons assaulted Suanpao and two other villagers who have gone to talk to with them.
All the three injured victims were admitted to Churachandpur district hospital for treatment.
On hearing the news of the assault and the disturbance caused, Assam Rifles personnel rushed in and opened 3 to 4 rounds of blank firing to control the situation.
But the celebration had to be ended abruptly.