Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 26:
A large number of unidentified gunmen descended at Sikhong village, located about 7 kms from Yairipok Police Station and set three houses ablaze yesterday at about 6.30 pm.
Besides destroying properties a number of domesticated animals were also killed in the devastating fire.
The owners of the gutted houses have been identified as Md Ajimuddin alias Ajimcha alias Ibomcha (37), Md Naziruddin (40) and Md Tomba (45).All three are brothers.
Narrating the story of the incident, the 60 year old mother of the three, Soliman said that a large number of armed persons descended on their house while she was alone at about 6.30 pm.
The gunmen then ordered her to go away at gun point, she said and added that she took shelter in a neighbor�s house.
As soon as she left, the gunmen opened fire and then set the three houses on fire, said the elderly woman.
None of the local people were allowed to venture outside when the gunmen set the houses of the three brothers on fire.
Those found outside were also herded inside by the gunmen.
As no one was allowed to go out and with the sun setting, all the houses were reduced to ashes destroying properties.
A large number of domesticated animals including cattle were also killed in the fire.
Fortunately two cows and two calves escaped with minor injuries, they said.
Local people said that none of the brothers were at home when the gunmen struck adding that Md Ibomcha and Md Nazirrudin had disappeared from the village with their families ever since Ibomcha stabbed a youth to death on September 24.The youth is identified as Md Kayamuddin.
The other brother MD Tomba has been away at Tabokpi before the stabbing incident engaged in some agriculture activities.
Paddy stored at the houses were also burnt to cinders during the fire while Rs 6000 in cash were also destroyed.