Two killed, three injured in Kuki attacks
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 30 2024:
In a harrowing incideni, two village volunteers lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries in coordinated attacks by Kuki militants in Koutruk and Kadangband Part 2 areas.
The assaults, involving both bombs and high-calibre firearms, occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 2, leaving a trail of devastation.
The deceased victims have been identified as Nongthombam Michael (33), son of Imo of Palace Compound, and Meisnam Khaba (23), son of Hemanta of Sagoltongba Mamang Leikai.
The bodies of the deceased have been brought to RIMS mortuary, while the injured village volunteers are currently undergoing treatment at RIMS hospital.
Local source said that large number of Kuki militants launched the attacks at approximately 2 pm on Tuesday, targeting both Koutruk and Kadangband Part 2 areas with a combination of explosive devices and heavy-calibre weapons.
Village volunteers stationed in the vicinity retaliated, engaging in a gunfight that lasted till 8 pm.
Security forces also joined the gunfight while prioritising the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local residents could be seen fleeing their homes to safety as the Kuki militants rained bullets and bombs.
People residing along Uripok-Kangchup road took charge of managing road traffic to facilitate the smooth passage of ambulances, ensuring timely medical aid for the injured.
Search operations are ongoing for three missing persons, with joint security forces deployed in the area to neutralise any threats and locate the individuals.
It may be mentioned that violence in Manipur claimed lives of at least 200 people since May 2023 while displacing several thousand others.
It is noteworthy that this incident follows the killing of another village volunteer named N James in Kadangband Part 2 area earlier this month during a fierce attack by Kuki militants.
The Koutruk and Kadangband areas continue to be focal points of the ongoing crisis in the state, with Kuki militants exploiting the close proximity of Meetei villages to the hills for multiple attacks.
The security situation in these areas remain tense.