One personnel of Manipur Rifles succumbed to his injuries after being shot by a sniper rifle in the head while a village volunteer was left injured in a fresh gunbattle which took place at Senjam Chirang, Imphal West district early Thursday, sources said.
The sources said that the slain security personnel has been identified as one Tourangbam Rishikumar, 48, from Wangjing Lamding, Thoubal district of 6th Manipur Rifles.
Suspected Kuki militants attacked the villagers of Koutruk and Senjam Chirang from the nearby hill ranges at around 5 am, the sources said, adding that village volunteers along with state forces retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for a few hours.
Rishikumar was hit by a bullet suspected to be fired from a sniper rifle which passed through his head, while another village volunteer received a minor bullet injury on his ear, the sources said.
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Rishikumar was admitted to Raj Medicity Hospital, North AOC and later succumbed to his injury at around 8 pm, the sources added.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 4.30 pm. The militants reportedly launched the attack first, firing shots and hurling bombs from Maulngat area. A fierce gun battle also broke out between the state forces deployed at the area and the militants following the attack.
The injured person has been identified as 35-year-old Aribam Wahida Bibi, wife of Md. Aribam Abdul Barik from Kwakta Municipal Council Gi Ward No. 5
Bibi was reportedly at the kitchen when the attack occurred. A stray bullet from the shootout pierced the kitchen wall and hit the back of her left elbow.
She was immediately rushed to CHC Moirang for First Aid and later shifted to Raj Medicity for further treatments, sources added.
The fire exchange continued between the state forces and the militants as per reports last received.
