Kuki militants attack Meetei villages
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 05 2024: Suspected Kuki militants simultaneously rained bombs and bullets on Sabungkhok Khunou, Yaingangpokpi Santikhongbal and Thamnapokpi villages on Saturday night.

The attack which began from 10 pm was retaliated by security forces deployed in the said areas leading to exchange of fire till midnight.

Though several houses were damaged in the attack by Kuki, there is no report of injury caused.

The houses hit by bullets included that of Thokchom Amu and Loitongbam Kumar of Yaingangpokpi Santikhongbal, and Ngangom Hemanta, Sougrakpam Ibomcha, Ahanthem Rohen and Keisham Sanathoi of Thamnapokpi.

Speaking in this regard, one Oinam Chandrabali dared leaders who are claiming return of normalcy in the state to spend some time in Thamnapokpi - not necessarily at night - to understand the ground reality.

Kukis attack Thamnapokpi using bombs and guns any time they want, she lamented and accused the central forces of hiding in their armoured vehicles rather than protecting the civilian population.

Chandrabali also noted that Kuki militants conspicuously cease firing as and when central forces are present and questioned the rationale of central forces conducting search operations in plains contrary to Kukis launching attacks from the hills.

Denouncing alleged inaction by central forces when Kuki militants attacked on Saturday night, Meira Paibis, CSOs of Sabungkhok, Sabungkhok Khunou, Yaingangpokpi, Yaingangpokpi Santikhongbal, Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi along with representatives of Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force convened a meeting at Thamnapokpi community hall on Sunday wherein Village Volunteer Force coordinator Oinam Okensana urged authorities concerned to replace central forces in Sabungkhok, Sabungkhok Khunou, Yaingangpokpi, Yaingangpokpi Santikhongbal, Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi by state forces.

He also cautioned that total shutdown will be enforced along the Ukhrul road if central forces are not replaced within 48 hours.

He urged CSOs, meira paibis and the people to support their movement.

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