IMPHAL, June 8: A 58-year-old villager was killed in a suspected militant attack after unidentified armed assailants allegedly opened fire on a group of residents collecting firewood in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday.
The deceased was identified as Chungjanglung Panmei (58), a resident of Pongringlong Part-I village belonging to the Rongmei Naga community.
The incident occurred in a forested area above Tupul village, about 40 km southwest of New Keithelmanbi Police Station.
Following reports of the attack, Manipur Police launched a search operation in the area. Panmei’s body was recovered from the forest at around 1:30 pm.
“We have started an investigation into the case. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. The other villagers managed to escape, but Panmei sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg,” a police official said.
The incident comes at a time when normalcy has been gradually returning to Manipur after months of ethnic unrest. The latest killing has raised fresh concerns over security in the state.
Meanwhile, families of 14 Kuki hostages renewed their appeal for the safe and unconditional release of their loved ones. Kuki women from Kangpokpi town joined an ongoing peaceful sit-in protest at Taphou Kuki village on Monday.
Police said further investigation into the shooting is underway.
