Kangpokpi: Three Kuki villagers, including two women, were reportedly killed and four others injured in a fresh gun attack by suspected armed militants at N Teikhang village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday morning. A house was also reportedly burnt down in the incident.
According to sources, the attack took place at around 9:30 am at N Teikhang village under the T Waichong sub-division. The village, inhabited by the Thadou community, is located along the Imphal-Tipaimukh (IT) Road.
Sources said a suspected armed militant, allegedly armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire in the village.
Three villagers were killed in the attack. They were identified as Lamtinthang Lhoujem, 35, son of Seilun; Tingneichin Lhouvum, wife of Tongpao Lhouvum; and Hoineng Lhoujem, wife of Thanggoulen Lhoujem.
Four others—Seilun Lhoujem, 65, Nemneichong Lhoujem, Deilhing Lhoujem and Kamtinsei Chongloi—sustained bullet injuries. They were evacuated to the T Waichong Primary Health Centre for treatment.
The firing reportedly forced several villagers to flee the settlement and take shelter in nearby forests. Sources said an exchange of fire between armed groups from two communities was continuing in and around the village.
Security forces were subsequently rushed to the area to bring the situation under control.
The latest incident comes days after four Naga civilians were killed and another injured when suspected Kuki armed militants allegedly ambushed a vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga at around 8:30 am.
The fresh violence comes amid heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in the region. According to sources, more than 20 people have been killed in various firing incidents and several houses have been burnt since violence broke out between the two communities in February this year.