Three Kuki villagers, including two women, were reportedly killed and four others sustained injuries after suspected armed militants opened fire at N Teikhang village in Kangpokpi district today morning. One house was also reportedly torched during the attack.
The deceased were identified as Tingneichin Lhouvum, 40, wife of Tongpao Lhouvum; Hoineineng Lhoujem, 21, wife of Thanggoulen Lhoujem; and Lamtinthang Lhoujem, 36, son of Seilun Lhoujem.
The injured were identified as Nemneichong Lhoujem, 50, wife of late Lahnang Lhoujem; Seilun Lhoujem, 70, son of late Lamneh Lhoujem; Deilhing Haokip, 55, wife of Chonkhohao Haokip; and Kamtinsei Chongloi, 38, son of late Chungngam Chongloi.
According to sources, the attack took place at around 8:00 am at N Teikhang village under T Waichong sub-division. The village, is located along the Imphal-Tipaimukh (IT) Road.
Sources said suspected armed militants, allegedly armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire in the village before fleeing the area.
The Twilang Area Kuki CSO Working Committee has strongly condemned the alleged attack on civilians at Teikhang village in the fringe area of IT Road, around seven kilometres from Chalwa.
In a statement issued today, the committee termed the incident an “unprovoked and barbaric attack” and alleged that around 50 heavily armed cadres attacked the village at around 8 am, opened indiscriminate fire on civilians and set several houses ablaze.
According to the committee, three villagers, including two women, were killed in the attack, while four others sustained bullet injuries and were in critical condition.
The committee urged the authorities to immediately deploy adequate security personnel in the area and ensure safe passage for the injured persons being transported to hospital.