Four killed in gunfight; UKLF chairman's house torched
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Thoubal, August 10 2024: At least four people were killed in a gun fight between Kuki Village Volunteer Force (VVF) and proscribed United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) at Molnoi village in Tengnoupal district on Friday.

Meanwhile, the house of UKLF chairman SS Haokip was torched by VVF members in retaliation.

According to reports, the incident occurred at Molnoi village in Tengnoupal district located next to Pallel in Kakching district at around 9am Friday.

Armed people, who identified as Kuki VVF members launched an attack at UKLF camps in Molnoi and Molnoni simultaneously.

In response, the UKLF cadres returned fire at the VVF members.

The intense gunfight left three VVF members and one UKLF cadre dead, with several others injured on both sides.

In continuation of the gunfight, heavily armed additional VVF members set fire to the residence of UKLF chairman SS Haokip in Molnom.

On hearing sounds of the gunfight between the Kuki groups, the market in Pallel immediately descended into chaos as people ran for safety.

Assuming that the attack could be towards the Meetei village in Pallel area, the villagers took up measures to protect themselves from any such attack.

Meanwhile, after hearing sounds of the gunfight, Assam Rifles and other central forces tried to move towards the location but were forced back by shots from the armed Kuki persons.

As such, the central forces took up position at Pallel Police Station.

Later, additional teams of state and central forces arrived and the forces were able to get to the location and retrieved the dead bodies.

The deceased VVF members have been identified as Jangkholen of Changoubung village, Moreh; Jangsat of Molnom Village and Kamlensang Singson of New Moreh; while the deceased UKLF cadre is suspected to be one Kakai of Moreh.

On the other hand, following the gunfight in Molnom area, Kakching district police has taken up strict measures to prevent any unwanted incident in Pallel.

AR also set up barricades in Pallel area along Imphal-Moreh road and conducted checking-frisking operations as part of strict security measures.

Shops in Pallel Bazar closed their doors owing to the gunfight and the market sported a deserted look.

Later, with the strict security measures taken up by AR and Kakching district police, some shops started reopening from around 3 pm.

However, people still fear of another gunfight ensuing at any given moment.

Meanwhile, various sources have given differing opinions regarding incident, with some hinting at a huge rift between WF, which is support by different groups, and UKLF.

However, detailed information regarding the incident or the possible reasons is yet to be confirmed.

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