Kuki militants attack, two killed in retaliation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 14 2024: After a hiatus of several days, Kuki militants once again resumed their attack on Meetei foothill villages from multiple sides from late night of April 12, resulting in death of at least two Kuki militants in retaliatory firing.

Sources informed that large number of Kuki militants from Phailengmol village of Kangpokpi district descended towards the valley and launched heavy attack towards Itham Moirangpurel area in Imphal East district on the intervening night of April 12 and 13 which the village volunteers retaliated as civilians in the foothill areas fled their homes and took shelter in safer locations and meira paibi members prevented people from foraying into the area to prevent any unwanted injuries.

In the meantime, more village volunteers from different parts of the state arrived at the conflict area with Imphal West district commandos too rushing in.

The Kuki militants retreated towards Phailengmol village while continuing their attack, in which some vehicles of Imphal West commandos were damaged.

Village volunteers pursued the fleeing militants and killed two Kuki militants, identified as Kamminlal Lupheng (23) son of Paolet Lupheng of Nongdam Kuki village, Kangpokpi, and Kamlengsat Lunkim (25) son of Thangkhomang Lunkim pf Bongjang.

The village volunteers also recovered one AK-47 rifle and an INSAS rifle from the two.

Central security forces deployed in the nearby area also rushed to the spot and managed to stop the gunfight by Saturday afternoon.

Later on Saturday night, Kuki militants launched fresh rounds of attack towards Kadangband and Koutruk villages, which was also retaliated by village volunteers.

Central security forces deployed in the nearby area controlled the situation swiftly, thereby preventing possible casualty.

At the same time, Kuki militants launched simultaneous but brief attack towards western side of Ningthoukhong from the nearby hills hut there is no report of any casualty in the attack.

Mention may be made that two Meetei village volunteers were injured when they retaliated an armed attack by Kuki militants from a village in Tengnoupal district towards Heirok village in Thoubal district on April 12 morning.

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