Youth shot inside village, fear deepens in Sinakethei amid security lapses

IT Correspondent
Imphal, April 23:
Tension continues to grip Sinakethei village after a 30-year-old man was shot and injured, raising serious concerns over civilian safety in the conflict-hit Tangkhul Naga settlement.
According to the Sinakethei Village Authority’s Media Cell, the incident occurred around 4 pm on April 22 when Chihanngam Rungsung sustained a gunshot wound, allegedly fired by Kuki armed militants from a fortified bunker on Lungter Hill overlooking the village. The bullet pierced his heel while he was moving within the village, highlighting the absence of any safe space for civilians.
Village authorities stated that the victim was not involved in any confrontation, adding that even routine movement has become life-threatening. The area has been under severe tension since February 8 following a confrontation between Kuki and Tangkhul communities in the Litan area, after which incidents of firing between the two sides have continued intermittently.
The situation further escalated on April 18 when two Tangkhul civilians were killed at T. Kasom village after being ambushed by suspected Kuki armed militants, intensifying fear among residents across nearby villages.
Sinakethei has reportedly remained under sustained armed pressure for over two months, with villagers alleging expansion of militant presence through bunkers, trenches and camps across strategic locations along the Lungter Hill range. Residents claim that parts of village land have effectively come under such occupation.
Despite the presence of Army and security personnel and routine patrols along the Lungter road, firing incidents are said to continue, creating an atmosphere of fear, instability and psychological distress. Villagers maintained that they have exercised restraint, limiting themselves to the defence of homes and farmland, but expressed concern over continued encroachment.
They further alleged that militant fortifications have been constructed in full view of security forces without visible intervention, raising questions over enforcement. While security forces had warned of strict action against those initiating fire, residents claimed that repeated firing from militant positions has drawn only limited response.
Villagers also disputed claims that militants were beyond effective firing range, citing bullet impacts on houses and the recent injury. Describing the situation as both a security and humanitarian concern, the village authority urged immediate and impartial intervention to ensure civilian safety, prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.