Kangpokpi protests arrest of Kuki armed trio
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 09 2024:
A combined team of security forces engaged in a gunfight with suspected Kuki militants at K Hengjol village under New Keithelmanbi police station, Kangpokpi district on Tuesday around 4.30 am.
At least three Kuki militants were arrested along with arms in the follow-up operation while a couple of women were injured while trying to block the security forces from conducting the operation.
Crackdown by the security forces, arrest of the three and confrontation with the womenfolk triggered protest at Kangpokpi town.
Police said that a joint team of CRPF, Assam Rifles and Manipur police went towards the village on Tuesday early morning after receiving specific information about the presence of armed militants in the area.
On seeing the security column, Kuki militants opened fire to which the security team retaliated leading to exchange of firing for several minutes.
As the security team advanced further, the Kuki militants fled the spot.
The security team pursued them and conducted search o peration in the village resulting in the ar rest of three cadres of Kuki National Front (KNF-MC) along with two AK Rifles, one MAI MK-3 Rifles, one single barrel gun, 1382 live rounds and several other equipment, including bulletproof vests.
Local womenfolk trooped out and tried to stop the security forces from continuing the operation resulting in a tussle between the women residents and security team, who resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd resulting in some women suffering injuries.
They were provided first aid at nearby health centre.
Protest erupted in Kangpokpi district following the arrest of three Kuki militants demanding their unconditional release.
The protestors, under the aegis of Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) alleged that the security forces vandalised the house of the village chief during the operation and demanded fair compensation as per customary law.
They also warned of launching different forms of intense agitation including economic blockade along the national highways if their demands are not honoured.
CoTU is planning to submit a memorandum outlining their demands to the district administration.
On the other hand, a joint team of Churachandpur district police, 36 Assam Rifles and CRPF carried out search operations at Saikot and Mualvaiphei villages in Churachandpur district on Tuesday leading to seizure of one country made single barrel rifle, three improvised heavy mortar (Pompi) guns, four 70 mm mortar shells (local made), and several mortar shell casings.
A joint team of Bishnupur district police and 16th Kumaon Regiment also conducted search operation at Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai on Tuesday morning but there is no arrest or seizure made.
Earlier on Monday morning, a joint team of 46 Assam Rifles and Singhat police station seized one AK 47 rifle (country-made), two G-3 rifles with three magazines & two rounds, five .303 country made rifles, one 9mm country made pistol with magazine and four rounds, one SLR with magazine & three rounds, five 12 bore single barrel rifles, four US-B Carbine magazines, five hand grenades and four radio sets.
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