Kangpokpi: At least three individuals were injured during a fresh exchange of gunfire between two suspected armed groups at Leilon Munlui, a Kuki village located between Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul in Kangpokpi district, on Monday morning.
According to local sources, the incident occurred around 6 am, leaving three village volunteers from the Leimakhong area injured. The injured have been identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18), Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20), and Paogou Lal (18). Among them, one is reported to be in critical condition after sustaining bullet injuries to the abdomen.
All three were initially treated at the Army Hospital in Leimakhong before being shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for further treatment with the assistance of central security forces.
The Leilon Munlui Village Authority strongly condemned the incident, alleging that the attack was carried out by suspected NSCN-IM militants at around 6 am. According to the authority, the three injured villagers sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
In a statement, the village authority claimed that the attack was launched from the direction of a CRPF bunker near Konsakhul, located less than 100 metres from Leilon Munlui village.
The authority further alleged that the suspected militants appeared to have operated with the support of the CRPF, claiming that both the attack and the subsequent retreat took place from the CRPF’s side and that security personnel did not make any visible attempt to intervene or prevent the assault.
The village authority stated that residents are living in fear following the incident and have lost confidence in the security arrangements provided by the CRPF personnel stationed around Leilon Munlui.
Calling for immediate action, the authority urged both the State and Central governments to arrest those responsible in order to prevent further bloodshed.
It also demanded the withdrawal of the CRPF post at Konsakhul, alleging that it is being used as a launching pad for militant attacks on nearby Kuki villages.
The authority warned that if the demand is not met, the CRPF should be held responsible for any further escalation of violence in the area.
There was no immediate response from the CRPF or NSCN-IM regarding the allegations made by the village authority.
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