Imphal, May 08: Gunmen continue to strike out at will in Churachandpur district with two more persons shot dead last night at about 8.The latest strike has put the total toll of persons shot dead in Churachandpur in this month to four.According to police sources, suspected Kuki militants shot dead two persons last night at about 8 near the Hmar Veng bridge.

The two victims have been identified as Solomon Zatham Siam Hmar (18) son of Thangneisel of Hmar Veng and Lalhlunsang Khawbung 26 son of Ramhlun Khawbung also of Hmar Veng but originally from Nampabung.

Sources said that the two were accosted by the unidentified gunmen near the Hmar Veng bridge while they were on their way back home.

The assailants first inquired about their identities and later whipped out a gun and shot them at point blank range.

Lalhlunsang, who died at the spot received bullet wounds on the chest, hands and head.

Solomon succumbed to his injuries at the District Hospital.

No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing of the two men.

The two bodies are kept at the houses of the victims in Hmarveng village.

Lalhlunsang, a Hmar Singer was the Assistant Secretary of the Hmar Artist Association (HAA).

His Cassette Album was released on the fateful day at the "Sawrtui Magazine 3rd Anniversary Celebration".

Denouncing the killing, the Hmar Youth Association (HYA) has asked all its members to wear Hmar Puon and assemble at the Hmarveng village today.

This was the fourth time that gunmen had struck out at Churachandpur this month.

On May 3 a 35 year old man, Khaiminthang Kuki of Sangaikot was shot dead at Ngathal while another man was also shot dead along with him.

The latter has been identified as Laljanlieu Singson (37) of Khoipibung.

Again on May 6 gunmen struck, killing a 21 year old man at Tolen at about 6.40 am.

The victim was named as one Thangthugsat Khongsai of Rengkai.

A 28 year old woman identified as Damukhongak alias Ngahcha was injured in a cross fire between two rival militant groups at Red Cross road, Churachandpur on May 4 at about 11 am.

Bloody May in CCpur
May 3 night: Two persons, Khaimingthang Kuki (35) and Laljanpieu Singson (37) of Khoipibung shot dead at Ngathal.

May 4, 11 am: A woman identified as Damkhongak alias Ngahcha (28) injured in a cross fire between two rival militant groups at Red Cross Road.

May 6, 6.40 am: Unidentified gunmen shoot dead a 21 year old man identified as Thanthugsat Khongsai of Rengkai at Tolen.

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