4th man too found murdered
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 13 2024: With the recovery of the fourth body, it has now been confirmed that all the four individuals who went to Haotak Mapal-lok Chakpi Ching to collect firewood have been mur- dered by suspected Kuki militants.

Thoudam Ibomcha (51) s/o Pangoi, his son Thou-dam Anand (20), Oinam Romen (38) s/o Oinam Pishak and Ahanthem Dara (55) s/o Apikchao, all hailing from Wangoo Sabal Akasoi went to collect firewood from Haotak Mapallok Chakpi Ching on January 10 .

As they did not return home the same day, it was suspected that they were either taken captives or murdered by Kuki militants.

A search party came across the bullet-riddled bodies of Ibomcha, Anand and Romen on January 11 at Haotak Mapallok Chakpi Ching but Ahanthem Dara could not be traced.

From January 11, a massive manhunt was launched by State and Central armed security personnel to find Dara.

At around 11 am today, the lifeless body of Dara was found at Wangoo Sabal Maning Meichakpi Ching with bullet injuries.

He bore bullet marks on his left thigh and left temple.

The dead body was taken down from the hill and deposited at RIMS morgue for post mortem.

Of late, Kuki militants have been targeting the Meitei village of Haotak Tampha Khunou from the adjoining hills.

As security forces retaliated, a heavy gun battle took place in the area in the wee hours yesterday.

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