In fierce gunfight two civilians killed, 4 injured amid fresh violence

Manipur: At least two civilians were killed in heavy gunfire between suspected militants and village defense volunteers in Koutruk Ching Leikai, Senjam Chirang and Khurkhul Maning Leikai in Imphal district and Haraothel, Sanshang and El Mulai villages in Kangpokpi district. While four were injured. early hours on Thursday.
The deceased have been identified as 40-year-old Waikhom Boicha alias Nilkamal son of W Boyai resident of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai and 38-year-old son of Konsam Herojit son, Joy Senjam Khunou.
The injured have been identified as Roshan of Yourbung, Thangjam Samananda, 36, of Koutruk and Thongam Abungkhan of Lamshang. The fourth has yet to be identified as of the filing of this report.
According to reports, Boicha was found dead near a bunker in Haraothel while Herojit succumbed to his injuries at Raj Medicity Hospital, Imphal.
A team of journalists also went to Khurkhul Maning Leikai in Imphal West district and L Mulai village in Kangpokpi district to cover the shooting incident. On reaching the area, the team heard gunshots and multiple explosions. There was an exchange of fire around 3:00 pm in El Mulai village.
A helicopter was also reportedly deployed from the Leimakhong Army Camp and was seen circling above the areas of Limakhong, Kanto Sabal, Khurkhul, Senjam Chirang and Koutruk. Explosions, suspected to be mortar shells, were heard from the village of El Mulai.
Speaking to the media, a villager said that local people went to dig canals for irrigation inKhurkhul Maning Leikai bordering El Mulai village around 3 pm on Wednesday when suspected Kuki militants opened fire on the villagers.
He asserted that the villagers were forced to flee the area after the attack.

“We were trying to cultivate crops because we needed food to survive, but the presence of militants in the surrounding areas made it impossible,” he added. He expressed displeasure over the failure of the central and state governments to destroy bunkers in nearby hilly areas.
Meanwhile, unknown miscreants torched and destroyed abandoned houses in Bethel village (Koutruk Maning) in Kongpokpi district around 3:30 p.m.