Shrine attacked, four KNF-P cadres held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 28 2025: A group of suspected Kuki militants opened fire at Kongba Maru shrine, one of the most sacred religious sites of the Meeteis, in Imphal East district on Friday morning as devotees were engaged in a prayer service.

The attack, which involved firing of around 10 rounds, created panic among the worshippers present at the site, who were accompanied by security personnel.

Following the incident, security forces launched an operation in the surrounding areas, leading to the arrest of four cadres belonging to the Kuki National Front (KNF)-P .

Shrine attacked, four KNF-P cadres held

A team from Kangpokpi police, in coordination with A/155 CRPF, apprehended the individuals identified as Lungousem Kipgen (29) of Phaijol village (Kangchup), Letminlal Kipgen (25) of Ebenezer village, Satminlun Tuboi (24) son of Letmang Tuboi of Chalbung village, and Thanggoulun Kilong (27) son of Sonkhothang Kilo ng of Luwangsanggol village, Kangpokpi district.

During the preliminary interrogation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals were operating under the command of one Gogou Kipgen alias Jamin, a key figure of KNF-P .

Meanwhile, Kongba Maru Semgat Lup has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take action against Kukis involved in firing towards the Kongba Maru shrine while devotees were performing rituals on Friday morning with permission and also demanded immediate removal of more than 40 bunkers constructed atop Mark and Wakan hill ranges.

Lup executive member Heikrujam Rajsekhar told media persons at Manipur Press Club Friday that 18 members of the Lup along with OC of Sagolmang PS and CRPF personnel went for rituals at Kongba Maru on Friday morning.

However, at about 9.15 am when rituals were about to begin, sound of firing was heard from atop the nearby hill.

Believing full protection from security personnel, rituals continued but eight more rounds were fired towards the sacred site.

Fortunately, no casualty was suffered, Rajsekhar said.

Terming the firing incident amidst Governor's initiative to restore peace and normalcy as very unfortunate, Rajsekhar said village volunteers of the valley have returned to their respective homes after handing over weapons in honour of Governor's appeal.

While there is no one to guard Meetei villages in fringe areas after return of weapons, Kukis still possess weapons and fire towards the valley, he said and questions if surrender of arms is only for the Meetei.

According to Rajsekhar, the Centre is directly handling administration of Manipur and the valley people supported Governor's appeal for disarming with the high hope of return of peace and normalcy.

However; Friday's bring incident at Kongba Maru caused deep concern among the people, he said and demanded security cover for the Meeteis in conducting religious rituals at Kongba Maru and other sacred places like Thangjing and Koubru.

He also demanded implementation of NRC and legal protection for village volunteers.

Kongba Maru Semgat Lup finance secretary K Rajen also told media persons that village volunteers in the valley have vacated bunkers following return of weapons.

However, many bunkers of Kukis were found intact atop Kongba Maru sacred site, he said and questioned if the Governor's initiative for peace is for the valley along and does not include the hills.

He also said that Governor Ajay Bhalla should show equal treatment in both hills and valley by removing bunkers of Kukis within two days using all means.