In Imphal west heavy fire exchange between kuki militants, villagers

Imphal West: Village volunteers exchanged heavy fire with suspected Kuki militants at Leikinthabi under Sekmai police station in Imphal West early Wednesday morning.

According to sources, the incident took place at around 4.15 am when the Kuki militants allegedly started unprovoked firing. The village volunteers retaliated, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.
According to reports, the exchange of fire continued for more than four hours. Locals also heard gunshots later in the day. The militants were also said to have sustained injuries and were seen carrying the wounded to their hideouts, but this is yet to be confirmed.
As the gunshots rang out, the women of the area came out and blocked the roads of Awang Potsangbam, Leikinthabi, Sekmai and Kanglatongbi Bazar to stop the vehicles of the Assam Rifles and central forces.
The exchange of fire between the militants and the village volunteers continued around 3.40 pm. Militants reportedly advanced from Luwang Sangol and Phairen villages, where village volunteers retaliated from Khongnangpokpi mathak chanbirok area.
Amidst the clash, 22 Assam Rifles stationed at Luwang Sangol allegedly fired several shots and hurled bombs at the 4th IRB post at Pangal Tabi near Sekmai river area and the police post at Nongthonband Khajing, sources said. After which the angry IRB and police personnel also fired back.
Meanwhile, the women of Kanglatombi Bazar armed themselves with sticks and sticks after receiving information that several women coming from Motbung area towards Kanglatombi were armed around 6.30 pm on Wednesday, sources said.