Armed miscreants run amok at Ocean Lounge
At least 8 injured, one seriously
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 28 2024: A group of suspected armed militants ran amok at The Ocean Lounge, a popular venue at Khuman Lampak opposite ISBT Imphal, on the night of July 26 at around 9 .

At least eight people were injured in the incident of which one got hospitalized due to a gunshot wound.

Eli Leishithem Mangkung of Loushing village, a young employee at The Ocean Lounge, recounted her harrowing experience of that night.

Leishithen, a college student, works at the lounge to support her younger siblings after her parents died.

According to her, six men entered the lounge and began harassing her while she was attending to some customers.

She said that the men pressured her with inappropriate questions and unsolicited offers of food, escalating to physical intimidation when she attempted to disengage.

Leishithem's ordeal intensified when she sought help from the lounge manager, who advised her to leave as her shift was getting over for her safety.

She said that the situation took a violent turn when she called a friend to pick her up.

She said that two of the assailants assaulted her friend who was coming to pick her up without any provocation by brandishing a firearm and firing a warning shot.

Saying that the ensuing chaos drew the attention of nearby residents, many of whom belonged to the Tangkhul community, she claimed that the armed group, however, fired a few more rounds to intimidate the crowd.

Those who got injured in the incident have been identified as Chanhor Hungyo of Irong, Somaya Shimpui of Ringpam, Chingyaso Valui of Teinem, Dinos Rajkumar of Chingmeirong, Lan-chemba Abonmei of Mapao Thangkal and D Pousui of Phaibung village.

Sochihan Hungyo of Kashung is the one who sustained bullet wounds .

It is said that Eli Leishithem has been particularly affected by the incident.

An FIR has been lodged with the Lamphel Police Station, citing multiple Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Arms Act of 1959 pertaining to the incident.

These charges include offenses related to assault, unlawful assembly and the illegal possession and use of firearms.

The path forward demands not only justice but also a collective effort to restore peace and safety in the region, the complainant said.

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