Missing village volunteer found dead
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 27 2024:
The mortal remains of a Meetei village volunteer, who went missing during an attack by Kuki militants in Sinam Kom area on Friday, were found in a narrow gorge nearby on Saturday morning.
The deceased volunteer has been identified as Laishram Premananda alias Bomcha (31) s/o Norendro of Sinam village.
According to reports culled from the spot, at around 4 pm on Friday, Kuki militants launched an attack at Sinam village.
The Meetei village volunteers and the state forces present in the area returned the fire.
Soon, a team of Meetei village volunteers rushed in towards the hill to drive away the attacking Kuki militants.
As the volunteers landed in Maikhong hill area, the Kuki militants rained down bullets on them.
The volunteers immediately scattered for safety.
Amidst the chaos, Premananda fell down the narrow gorge and could not be traced.
Security forces and the village volunteers searched for Premananda throughout the night and even utilised a drone for the same.
Later, his dead body was found on Saturday morning.
On the other hand, Kuki militants from Lailoiphai village, Sugnu fired rounds towards the Meetei village in Sugnu area at around 11pm on Friday.
The village volunteers in the area retaliated.
However, there were no reports of any casualties.
Meanwhile, Leitanpokpi locals launched a protest against 28AR and 37BSF for disallowing them from farming in the farmland located adjacent to Leitanpokpi area under Sagolmang PS but allowing the Kuki villagers from Sadu Lampak to carry out farming activities.
The locals were protesting against the security forces deployed in the area for banning Meetei farmers from farming, terming the area as buffer zone, but allowing the Kuki villagers to farm.
Later, AR, BSF, OC Sagolmang PS and the locals held a meeting at Leitanpokpi community hall and the matter was resolved peacefully.
On the other hand, Kuki militants from Uchekon Hill Range under Sagolmang PS fired several rounds towards the Meetei village nearby on April 26 around 4.30pm.The fire exchange lasted till 5.20 pm.
A suspected Kuki militant identified as Kamminlun Khongsai alias Elvis (26) of Lhungjang village, Kangpokpi district was injured.
He was first taken to Motbung CHC, before being taken to Kangpokpi for further treatment.