Two injured in gunfight, many hurt in SF crackdown
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 12 2023: At least two village volunteers were injured in a gunfight with suspected Kuki militants in Sabungkhok Khunou area of Imphal East on Thursday morning while several women folk were hurt in crackdown by central security force.

Ground reports said that Kuki militants started fresh attack towards Sabungkhok Khunou from Phaimol and nearby villages in the adjoining hills of Kangpokpi district on Thursday around 4.30 am.

Village volunteers in the area retaliated but there was no report of any injury on either side.

An Indian Army team deployed in the area rushed there and controlled the situation.

However, another round of fresh attack was launched from the nearby hill villages around 2 pm, which was also retaliated by the village volunteers, who also moved forward to flush out the Kuki militants.

In the ensuing gunfight, two village volunteers suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to Little Clinic and Raj Medicity for treatment.

On receiving the information of fresh attack, members of Meira Paibi organisations from different parts of the valley districts went there to protect the local residents.

However, Indian Army personnel deployed in the area stopped them which resulted in a tussle.

The army personnel used sticks and smoke bombs to disperse the agitated public, in which several women were injured.

Most of them suffered minor injuries but four were rushed to Raj Medicity for further treatment.

Meira Paibi members are on vigil along the routes leading to Sabungkhok to prevent any anti-social elements from exacerbating the situation, till late night.

Though the gunfight has subsided, reports suggest that the village volunteers and Kuki militants on either side are still holding their position.

Security forces are also on high alert to prevent escalation of the situation.

Comment