Army soldier, CDO among 6 Injured in Kuki attacks
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 27 2023:
At least six persons including one each Army and police commando personnel sustained injuries as Kuki militants attacked Meetei and Meetei Pangal houses in the adjoining areas of Bishnupur and Churachandpur district on Thursday.
Kuki militants also torched four Meetei houses and one dairy farm during the intermittent attacks starting from 5am which triggered heavy exchange of fire for several hours as security forces and village volunteers retaliated.
One army soldier and a police commando deployed in Phougakchao Ikhai area suffered injuries in the Kuki militants' attack.
The injured CDO has been identified as Nameirakapam Ibomcha, 40 of Keinou Thongkha.
Ibomcha has been admitted to Raj Medicity, North AOC with bomb splinter wounds on his right leg and ear.
All the four village volunteers injured in the clash were given first aid at Bishnupur district hospital with one referred to Raj Medicity for further treatment.
As per sources, well armed Kukimil-itantS'coming from Kangvai side started attacking Bishnupur district police commando personnel deployed at Phugakchao bazar during which Ibomcha was injured.
However, the Kuki militants fled after CDO personnel retaliated.
Around the same time, Kuki militants attacked Meetei inhabited areas at Torbung, Kangvai, Phougakchao Ikhai, Kwakta, Terakhong-sangbi, Khudekpi and Tronglaobi from nearby Kuki villages like Molhoi, Heikol, Pholjang, Phaisenbung, P Geljang, Bongat and Molphei Tampak.
Unlike in the past attacks, Kuki militants used bombs in the attack since Wednesday night.
Police commando, BSF and army deployed in Meetei villages returned fire till late afternoon, the source said while speculating there might 3-4 casualties among the Kuki militants.
Taking advantage of the fire-fight at nearby places, another group of Kuki militants torched four Meetei houses and one dairy farm at Phougakchao Mayai Leikai On the other hand, well-armed Kuki militants attacked Shanti Khongbal from Sangaran Kuki village under Yaingangpok-pi police station under Imphal East district from 4.50pm Thursday.
Even though BSF troopers deployed in the area retaliated the attack by Kuki militants using bombs, villagers of nearby Sabungkhok Khunou have fled to safer locations.
Meanwhile, Kuki militants attacked bunkers of 9 IRB (Mahila) post at Koutruk Ching Leikai at about 6.40pm Thursday.
When security forces deployed in the area retaliated, heavy exchange of fire ensued between the two side for 20 minutes but there is no
report of casualty.
On the other hand, Longjam Naocha, who suffered splinter injuries on head during bombardment by Kuki militants on the intervening night of July 25 and 26 at Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Leikai Ward No 1 succumbed to injuries at Raj Medicity Thursday.