4 Kuki militants killed, four others injured
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 22 2023:
At least four Kuki militants were killed while two village volunteers and two security personnel sustained injuries in a gun battle that took place today at Poljang/Boljang village, Kangpokpi district which is located just above Phayeng and Tairenpokpi villages of Imphal West district.
A late unconfirmed report that three other Kuki militants succumbed to injuries, taking the toll to seven.
The villagers, particularly village defence volunteers, have been keeping a sharp vigil in view of the repeated attacks carried out by Kuki militants at Tairenpokpi, Phayeng, Senjam Chirang, Koutruk and Kadangband during the last few days.
On receiving information that heavily armed Kuki militants have been taking shelter at Boljang village, village defence volunteers went to the village.
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As the village defence volunteers approached Boljang village, they came under heavy firing from the armed Kuki militants.
The village defence volunteers retaliated resulting in a gun battle.
Security personnel deployed in the nearby area also rushed to the spot and engaged the Kuki militants in a heavy gunfight in between Tairenpokpi and N Boljang village till around noon.
The gun battle which broke out early in the morning went on till around noon.
Sources informed that the Kuki militants suffered heavy casualties and four of them were killed.
Though it could not be confirmed, it was said that three other Kuki militants also succumbed to injuries.
Two village defence volunteers and two AR personnel also sustained injuries.
While the injured volunteers have been taken to RIMS Hospital, the two AR personnel have been evacuated to Leimakhong military hospital.
One of the village defence volunteers identified as Shyam sustained injury on his waist.
He has been admitted to the ICU of RIMS after operation.
His condition is said to be serious.
The other victim identified as Nanao sustained bullet injury on his left leg.
The two wounded Assam Rifles personnel have been identified as Havildar Rajender and Warrant Officer Prabesh, both from 44 AR, but presently attached to 10 AR, Kotlen.
They sustained splinter injuries from a blast and were evacuated to Leimakhong military hospital.
Their conditions are said to be stable.
Local womenfolk of the area also went toward N Boljang village after three village defence volunteers went missing during the gunfight.
After a massive search, all three of them were safely rescued from a hill range between Tairenpokpi and N Boljang.
The three volunteers rescued by the villagers too reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Security forces later brought the situation under control and carried out a massive search operation in the nearby areas to nab the Kuki militants.