A village guard from Pongringlong Part-I village in Kangpokpi district was found dead with bullet wounds after reportedly going missing during a firing incident in a forest area near the village on Sunday evening, according to local sources and a statement issued by the Pongringlong Youth Club (PYC).
The deceased has been identified as Chunjanglung Panmei (58), son of the late Kamuga Panmei and a resident of Pongringlong Part-I, a Rongmei Naga village located above Tupul. Panmei was also serving as a Village Guard of the village.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 6:40 pm in a forested area approximately 40 km southwest of New Keithelmanbi Police Station. A group of nine villagers had reportedly gone to the area to cut trees when they allegedly came under gunfire from unidentified armed persons. Sources claimed that around 30 rounds were fired during the incident, causing the villagers to flee for safety.
While most members of the group managed to escape unharmed, Panmei reportedly went missing during the firing. His body was later recovered at around 1:30 am on Monday.
Local sources alleged that Panmei sustained bullet injuries during the incident. However, the exact circumstances leading to his death have not been officially established.
In a statement issued today, the Pongringlong Youth Club confirmed that Panmei, who had gone missing during an attack and firing incident at Pongringlong village, was found dead with apparent bullet wounds.
Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, the youth body called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the death and bring those responsible to justice. It also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified information.
Police have initiated legal procedures, and the body is being sent for post-mortem examination in Imphal.
Pongringlong Part-I is a small Rongmei Naga village comprising around 14 households with a population of approximately 60 residents.