Two Kuki militants were reported dead while three left injured in a gunfight with village volunteers after the Kuki militants attacked Koutruk Senjam Chirang and Kadangband hilltop in Kangpokpi district by firing guns and bombs.

As per sources, Kuki militants carried out the attack from Kharam Thadoi, Kangpokpi district when the Meitei volunteers went to gather firewood from Kadangband Hill top on Saturday at around 2.50pm.

Village volunteers also retaliated to the attack and a Kuki militant was reportedly injured and later succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has been identified as one Agou, son of Thangdum, chief of Bethel.

Following the incident, Kuki militants from neighbouring villages were gathered using a Tata Shaktiman truck and were seen gathering along Bethel and Haraothel on Saturday night.

Kuki militants started attacking Koutruk Ching Leikai around 2.34 am on Sunday, and 2nd, 3rd and 7th IRB stationed at Koutruk retaliated to the attack.

After a short pause, Kuki militants again attacked Koutruk from Bethel side around 6 am on Sunday and the village volunteers also gathered at Koutruk retaliating to the attack.

Around 8.30 am, it was reported that one Kuki militant died while three others were left injured.

The deceased is one Lammang Kipgen ,44, son of Lunlet Kipgen of Molsang, Saitu Gamphajol Kangpokpi district.

Sources said that Lammang Kipgen is the brother of one Tiger, who is an active member of a Kuki UG group.

Lamshang Police Station OC, Imphal West Commando along with a Casspir reached the area on receiving reports of the gunfight. IGP Themthing Ngasangva and SP Imphal West Ksh Shivakanta of Manipur Police also reached Kadangband to look into the incident.

According to drone footage, an ambulance was seen entering Bethel around 9 am and the Kuki militants were also seen moving towards Senjam Chirang and Mulai.

The Kuki militants again fired their ‘pumpi’ at Koutruk from Haraothel side at around 10.12am but failed to reach their targeted area.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) imposed a 12 hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district following the death of Lammang Kipgen.

Kuki militants also attacked Senjam Chirang at around 4.10pm in which the village volunteers also retaliated to the attack. Nongthonband in the Sekmai area was also attacked.