Kuki militants launch fresh attack, 3 hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2024: After a lull of about one month following announcement of schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha election, Kuki militants launched a fresh attack at a Meitei village of Heirok last night.

A large number of Kuki militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, came down from Genjang Kuki village near Penjang which is located in Tengnoupal district under Machi police station and attacked Inganglok village last night.

As village defence volunteers retaliated, a fierce gun battle ensued.

While three Meitei village volunteers sustained injuries in the fight, it is suspected that one Kuki militant was killed in the battle, sources said.

Of the three injured village volunteers, two have been admitted to Raj Medicity.

Ningthoujam James (21) s/o Rajib of Heirok Part II was hit by a bullet on the left side of the abdomen and exited through.

He is currently undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity in critical condition.

The other two sustained minor injuries and they are said to be out of danger.

A large group of Kuki militants came from Genjang Kuki village last night and fired indiscriminately at the village volunteers guarding Inganglok.

The village volunteers fired back resulting in a fierce gun battle.

Genjang is located about 18 Kms away from Inganglok and around 35 Kms from Heirok.

The gun battle lasted for almost one hour and it was suspected that one Kuki militant was killed in the fight while one village volunteer sustained injuries.

The Kuki militants left the place soon after the battle ended.

Village volunteers went to Genjang village this morning and destroyed bunkers built by Kuki militants atop the surrounding hills, the sources said.

By the time the village volunteers reached Genjang, the villagers had already left the village.

On the other hand, around 200 heavily armed Kuki militants were camping at Penjang village since one month back with an intention to attack Meitei villages, said the sources.

As the Meitei village volunteers took position at Genjang, they were attacked by Kuki militants at around 9 am today.

James was hit by a bullet in the attack.

One village volunteer was hit by a bullet fired by Kuki militants in the afternoon.

Interspersed with intermittent cessation, the ex- change of fire was going on till the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, additional security forces have moved to the frontline and security measures have been beefed up in the area.

According to the sources, the Kuki militants might have suffered large casualties.

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