Fighting continues non-stop at Khamenlok ; Kuki militants target more Meitei villages; one killed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 13 2024: While fierce fighting has been continuing with short intervals for the third consecutive day since February 11 at Uyumpok, Nongsum and Khamenlok in the peripheral areas of Imphal East and Kangpokpi district, Kuki militants have launched renewed offensive at Kadangband, Koutruk and Senjam Chirang in Imphal West.

With Kuki militants taking position on the nearby hills (Khamenlok Mathak Ching and Pukhao Shantipur Mamang ching) and attacking Uyumpok, Nongsum and other Meitei villages continuously, one village volunteer was killed while four others sustained injuries.

Reacting to the relentless attack launched by Kuki militants using bombs and sophisticated firearms, village volunteers fired back.

Fighting continues non-stop at Khamenlok ; Kuki militants target more Meitei villages; one killed

In the ensuing exchange of fire, three village volunteers sustained injuries on their legs and shoulder.

While two of them were evacuated from the spot and taken to Raj Medicity at around 11 am, the third could not be evacuated as the army personnel allegedly prohibited rescue teams from entering the frontline.

He was evacuated later following intervention of local MLA Kh Ibomcha.

One Meira Paibi activist was also hit on the back by a bullet fired by Kuki militants.

She has been identified as Keisham Premila.

They are currently undergoing treatment and their conditions are said to be stable.

Later at around 3 pm, another village volunteer identified as Sagolsem Loya (25) s/o Ranjit of Pukhao Shantipur sustained bullet injury in an attack by Kuki militants at Pukhao Shantipur and was rushed to Raj Medicity for treatment.

But he was declared brought dead by the doctor on duty.

The body has been deposited at JNIMS morgue today evening.

Heavy exchange of fire was still going on in the area till the time of filing this report.

On the other hand, Kuki militants rained bombs and bullets on surrounding Meitei villages from Sanasabi Maning Khuni hill range starting from around 11 am today.

Meitei village volunteers also retaliated by firing some rounds of bullets using licensed guns toward the Kuki militants.

The gunfight was still going on in the area at the time of filing this report.

However, there was no report of any injury.

Meanwhile, Kuki militants renewed their offensive on Meitei villages in the peripheral areas of Imphal West and Kangpokpi district this evening.

Sources said that Kuki militants, armed with sophisticated firearms and explosives, launched fresh attacks on Kadangband, Koutruk and Senjam Chirang one after another from Singda Dam and nearby hills.

During the attack, one woman sustained bullet injury and she is undergoing treatment at Raj medicity in stable condition.

Volunteers who have been guarding the Meitei villages retaliated by firing toward the Kuki militants.

As heavy exchange of fire was reported in the area till the time of filing this report, additional security personnel have rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

As the situation is still very tense, village volunteers and security personnel have been maintaining a strict vigil and guarding their positions.

Sources also said that there might be some casualties on the side of Kuki militants in retaliatory firing by village volunteers in Khamenlok area.

Meanwhile, a gunfight broke out between IRB personnel and some armed persons at Chingarel Tejpur.

The gunfight started at around 9.30 pm and the sound of firing was still heard at Sawombung-Tejpur areas at the time of filing this report at around 10 pm .