Act of terrorism plays out at funeral service
Three killed; CM sees red, terms it terrorism
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 12 2021:
At least 3 individuals including a 9 year old have died and a young boy has been injured when some unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire at a funeral service held at B Gamnom village today.
According to a source, the villagers were attending the funeral service of two suspected KNLA cadres from the village who were killed during an operation by security forces on Sunday when the unknown gunmen fired at the crowd killing Paolal Kipgen (51) chief of NP Khollen; Jamkholam Khongsai (68) of Saichang and Lalminthang (9) of B Gamnom village and injuring two years old Zoel @ Lalmingum who is in a critical condition at JNIMS hospital at the moment.
Coming out strongly against the dastardly attack and killings, Chief Minister N Biren has termed it an act of terrorism.
In a statement the Chief Minister said that his Government cannot remain silent in the face of such terrorist activities.
Stating that such acts of terrorism will not be tolerated at any cost, the Chief Minister said that he has himself personally asked the highest level of the State police to ensure that the villagers are not put to further harm.
Top ranking officers of the Army, Assam Rifles and the State police have been asked to take up all possible action against the perpetrators of the crime, said the Chief Minister.
The authority concerned has also been asked to do whatever is needed to save the life of the young boy who was injured in the terrorist attack, added the Chief Minister.
On behalf of the State Government, the Chief Minister shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family members and the villagers and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.
Teams of Imphal East District Police and Assam Rifles rushed to the spot along with two ambulances and conducted a search operation.
Meanwhile, villagers who have fled the village following the incident have been given refuge at the residence of a member of United Committee Manipur at Nungbrang.
Of the four suspected KNLA cadres killed by the security forces on Sunday, two were from B Gamnom village.
They were Paotingthang Kipgen (38) and Ngamjapao Khongsai (37) .
At the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the firing.