A Kuki woman was shot dead while two men sustained injuries when suspected militants engaged in a gunfight in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday, officials said.
A Kuki organisation has called a 48-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district following the incident. It demanded that the Government withdraw all security forces from Kangpokpi district, alleging that they have failed to ensure civilian safety. The gunfight broke out between rival rebel groups in an area near Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district and Kailengjang in neighbouring Senapati district around 11 am. Following the exchange of fire, a woman from Taphou Kuki village, who was working in a nearby field, was found shot dead.
The deceased has been identified as K Chongloi (42). She was found holding a sickle in her hand as she lay dead. Her body has been recovered by locals and security forces.
Two men, identified as S David Chongloi and Lamkhochon Chongloi, sustained injuries during the firing. They were both taken to hospitals in Kangpokpi district. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has called for “a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation” into the incident. He strongly condemned the killing of the woman and termed it a “heinous act of violence” which is “an affront to human dignity.” In a statement, police said additional security forces, including CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles personnel, have been deployed in the area.
It said security forces have cordoned off the nearby villages and are conducting search operations to prevent further escalation of violence. “Investigation has been initiated, and suspects are being questioned in connection with the incident,” it said. Following the incident, security personnel also conducted search operations at nearby Oname Taphou village in Senapati district. Locals, mostly women, tried to prevent the security forces from approaching the village.