Lamka, December 06 2009: In a suspected case of hostility among hill-based armed groups, two youths were slain last night by suspected insurgents in different locations within Tibuang village, raising the prospect of renewed factional conflict and threatening the otherwise serene atmosphere in the district ever since the Suspension of Operation agreement was signed with the government.

Incidentally, police sources said both the youths slain last night bear the identical name and clan namely Hemmang Touthang.

The first victim, Hemmang Touthang (29) s/o Jamkhosei of Janglenphai village about 6 kms north of Churachandpur police station was reportedly killed at around 5.30 pm at Bijang, not far from the office of the district's Superintendent of Police.

The victim suffered bullet wound on the chest.

Police retrieved the body at around 7.30 pm and deposited the same at the district hospital morgue here.

The second victim, Hemmang Touthang (37) s/o S Kopthang hailed from Bijang Khopi village and was allegedly killed late night as police learnt about the incident only early today and recovered his body at around 7 am today.

The body recovered from near Bijang area of Khuga River bore bullet marks on both eyebrows.

Both the bodies were handed over to their respective family this evening after post-mortem at the district hospital morgue.

When queried, the local police said they were clueless about the perpetrators of the crime and refused to name any suspects.

They also declined to comment on whether the slain duo had links with any of the local armed groups.

Clashes among rival armed groups have claimed a number of lives lately, sending fear psychosis amongst the public.

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