Imphal: Security forces have reportedly recovered two bodies near Mullam Kuki village in Ukhrul district at around 11:25 am on Friday.
According to officials, troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) found the bodies on the road between Mullam and Songphal villages.
The deceased were wearing camouflage outfits and had sustained bullet injuries when they were found, officials said.
According to official sources, the bodies have been identified as Paominlun Haolai (22), alias Hitlai Kuki, son of Paomang Haolai of Haijang village under Singngat sub-division in Churachandpur district, and Letlal Sitlhou (41), alias James Kuki, son of late Thangsei Sitlhou of K Khonom village in Kangpokpi district.
Post-mortem examinations of the deceased will be performed at Kangpokpi District Hospital, the official sources added.
Earlier, there were reports of a heavy gunfight between armed groups at Mullam village in the hill district at around 5:30 am.
A few outlying houses in the village were reportedly burnt by armed miscreants.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has strongly condemned the killing of “two village volunteers” and the burning of two houses in Mullam and Songphal villages, which it claimed was carried out by Tangkhul militants.
The organisation alleged that during the premeditated assault on unarmed civilians asleep in their homes, the attackers set ablaze two houses, injured several villagers—including women and children—and killed two Kuki village volunteers who were on duty to protect their community. It further stated that villagers, exercising what it described as their lawful right to self-defence using licensed hunting arms, repulsed the attack and neutralised one of the armed assailants.
The organisation has demanded the immediate registration of an FIR and a time-bound investigation into the attack by competent authorities.
KOHUR also called for the immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators, conspirators, and financiers involved in the incident under applicable criminal and anti-terror laws of India.
Additionally, the organisation urged the government to deploy adequate Central Armed Police Forces in Mullam, Songphal, and other vulnerable Kuki villages along the Kuki–Naga periphery to prevent further violence.
It also appealed for immediate medical treatment and ex gratia compensation for the injured, as well as adequate compensation and recognition as martyrs for the two slain village volunteers and support for their bereaved families.