Imphal: Two Naga civilians injured in an alleged gun attack in Kangpokpi district were airlifted to Imphal for advanced medical treatment on Friday evening.
The injured individuals, Maliangjinang Abonmai, 52, and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 50, were transported from the Houchong helipad in Noney district to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital by the Army.
Another injured person, Kawidinang Abonmai, 55, succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. In the same attack, Wiriliangbou Chawang, 34, died at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head.
According to sources, the attack occurred at Langka Naga village at around 7:30 am and was allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki armed groups.
Speaking to media persons at the RIMS premises, N Akhiu, convenor of the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC), said the attack was carried out by around 50 to 60 fully armed cadres of the KNF (P) at Langka Liangmai village.
According to Akhiu, an Army outpost is located between Langka and Makui villages, which are approximately 7.5 km apart. He questioned the apparent security lapses and asked how such a large number of armed cadres could move through the area without being detected by security forces.
“If innocent people are killed anytime, anywhere and the security forces are unaware of the movement of armed militants in such huge numbers, then what is the use of having security forces deployed in the area?” Akhiu questioned.
Akhiu said the people of the state have repeatedly condemned such atrocities, but incidents continue to occur.
He also expressed concern that people’s patience is running out and warned that continued violence could push Manipur towards civil war.
“Who, then, will take responsibility for such unrest?” he asked, addressing the state government and the Government of India.
Strongly condemning the incident, the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), has declared a total emergency shutdown across all Liangmai Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur until further notice.
During the shutdown, emergency and essential services, including medical, fire and other emergency response services, will remain exempt.