Imphal: Three villagers, including two women, were killed and four others wounded after suspected militants opened fire at N. Teikhang village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday, police said.
The attackers allegedly used sophisticated weapons during the assault on the Kuki-inhabited village in the hill district. Several houses were torched, while residents, including women and children, escaped into nearby forests to take shelter amid intense firing, a police official in Imphal said.
Security personnel from the Manipur Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) were deployed in the area and began operations to control the situation. Officials said further information about the incident was still being collected and that security forces were conducting searches in and around the village, as reported by ETV Bharat.
The three victims were identified as Tingneichin Lhouvum (40), wife of Tongpao Lhouvum; Hoineneing Lhoujem (21), wife of Thanggoulen Lhoujem; and Lamtinthang Lhoujem (36), son of Seilun Lhoujem.
The four injured were identified as Nemneichong Lhoujem (50), wife of late Lalmang Lhoujem; Seilun Lhoujem (70), son of late Lamneil Lhoujem; Deilhing Haokip (55), wife of Chonkhohao Haokip; and Kamtinsei Chongloi (38), son of late Chungngam Chongloi.
CM Vows Action
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the violence and assured that those responsible would face legal action. Singh, who is currently in Delhi, issued the statement on social media on Monday night.
“I strongly condemn the killing of three villagers, including two women and the injuries sustained by four others, including two women, at N. Teikhang village in Kangpokpi district today.”
“I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The Government will not tolerate such violence. The culprits responsible for the killing will be arrested and punished as per the law of the land,” he said.
The latest attack occurred days after suspected militants ambushed a vehicle in Kangpokpi district, killing four Naga civilians and injuring another.
Kuki Groups Allege NSCN-IM Role
The Twilang Area Kuki CSO Working Committee described the incident as an “unprovoked and barbaric attack” and alleged that it was carried out by armed cadres of the NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy force, ZUF-K.
The organisation claimed that nearly 50 heavily armed cadres entered the village, fired at civilians and set several houses on fire.
The Kuki tribal organisation alleged that the villagers had been attacked without provocation, causing panic among residents. The Kuki Students’ Organisation also condemned the violence and demanded action against those responsible.
More than 20 members of the Naga and Kuki communities have reportedly died in separate firing incidents since February, when clashes between the two groups began in the state. Several houses have also been burnt during the continuing violence.