Two killed, several hurt in fresh offensive by Kuki militants
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 29 2023: Two village volunteers have been killed and several others injured in fresh attack by Kuki militants at an area near Senjam Chirang and Koutruk Maning, at the border between Imphal West and Kangpokpi district today.

The incident took place early in the morning at around 5 when Kuki militants fired at the volunteers guarding a village in the area using sophisticated weapons and suspected lathode bombs.

In a separate incident, Kuki militants also fired at a Meitei village at Singda Kandangband from Geljang side in Kangchup at night.

The attack came amid Rahul Gandhi's visit today and hardly days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Delhi and proposed an arrangement for bringing normalcy and peace.

The proposal was for the Union Home Minister to contain the situation in the hills while the Chief Minister takes measures to contain the situation in the valley.

Soon after the Kuki militants attacked village volunteers near Senjam Chirang, a combined force of 6 and 7 Manipur Rifles, Imphal West Commandos and Border Security Force rushed to the area and exchanged fire with the Kuki militants.

The body of one of the two killed was recovered much later after the combined force arrived and engaged the militants.

Due to heavy firing from the side of the Kuki militants, the village volunteers were unable to recover the body earlier.

While several civilians have been reportedly injured in the firing by Kuki militants, two have been evacuated to RIMS Hospital.

While one sustained bullet injuries on the left side of his chest, the other was injured in his leg.

Following the incident, several houses have been burnt down at Bethel village, said sources.

At around 5 in the evening, Kuki militants fired at village volunteers injuring at least three persons.

While two of them have been rushed to RIMS, one has been evacuated to Raj Medicity.

Gun-fight was on till the time of filing this report, said sources.

Meanwhile, at least eight women were hurt in security forces' action at Leimakhong Chingmang, near the Red Shield Division Headquarters of the Army.

Reacting to news of attacks and killing of village volunteers in the morning at Koutruk area, a large number of women from different sides including Kanto Sabal had gathered at Leimakhong Chingmang, where a confrontation broke out with the Army and Central paramilitary forces.

While the women were trying to reach the incident site at Koutruk, the Central security forces blocked them considering the situation and security concerns in the area.

To disperse the crowd, the security forces resorted to lathicharge on the women injuring at least eight.

Following the morning incident, the United Protection Committee, Nambol has urged the Centre to control the Kuki militants immediately to contain violence.

It said village volunteers keeping vigil to defend Senjam Chirang have been killed by Kuki militants' attack.

Without Centre's effective intervention, Kuki militants have continued to attack Meitei villages and civilians, it said.

On June 25, Kuki militants fired at farmers at Irengbam in Oinam Assembly Constituency.

Yesterday, a similar attack was carried out on farmers at Phubala area in Bishnupur district.

Earlier, Kuki militants had burnt down six of the seven Meitei houses at Phoujakhai Ikhai and converted the lone standing house into a bunker.

The militants had even hoisted their flag at the house, said the committee appealing to the Centre to withdraw Suspension of Operation with Kuki militants and remove "ineffective and biased Assam Rifles" from the State.

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