At least six people, including a police commando, died and several others injured as suspected Kuki militants launched a random attack at various areas in the periphery of Imphal valley on Sunday, sources said.
This attak took place despite assurances from Chief Minister N Biren Singh regarding public safety.
The injured included two police commandos, who are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals across Imphal, the sources said.
Till the filing of this story, five civilian casualties were reported with three from Wangoo in Bishnupur district, one each from Phayeng in Imphal West and Sugnu in Kakching district.
Tragically, during an exchange of fire in Sungu of Kakching district, two police commandos were injured, one of whom succumbed to his injuries at Raj Medicity, and another one commando personnel who sustained bullet injury at Yaingangpokpi is also undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity.
The deceased police commando is identified as ASI Thokchom Kiran (47) of Purna Heitupokpi. He received bullet injury in his right shoulder at Laiching area of Sugnu and succumbed to his injury at Raj Medicity.
As per reports, the three from Wangoo were shot while trying to save houses from setting ablaze by Kuki militants at Tangjeng Ahallup under the jurisdiction of Kumbi Police station. They were shot around seven in the morning at Wangoo Chandanpokpi by the Kuki militants who were hiding in the area.
The three deceased from Wangoo have been identified as 17-year-old Amom Yaifaba, son of A Imoba of Wangoo Ahallup; 30-year-old Thokchom Naotomba, son of Imoba of Wangoo Pungjao Makhong and 24-year-old Khumanthem Kenedy, son of Iboyaima.
The person who succumbed to his injury at Phayeng was identified as A Basanta (30) of Phayeng Ching Khunou while the other who succumbed to injury at Sungu was identified as Kenedy Khumanthem (23) of Laingoubi Awang Leikai.
Two other police commandos are undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity and have been identified as Sapam Bisharup (34) of Wangbal Mayai Leikai and W Chanson (29) of Wangkhei Amu Leirak.
These incidents triggered widespread unrest, prompting enraged mobs to take to the streets and staged violence protests in various areas of the valley.
As per reports obtained, the violence led to acts of vandalism with the angry mobs setting fire to an abandoned structure at Pureiromba Khongnangkong, Khongsai Veng and Chingmeirong in Imphal East and near Lamphel Fisheries in Imphal West.
Protesters also stormed the residence of Uripok MLA Kh. Raghumani, expressing their dissatisfaction and damaging property due to perceived inaction on his part in safeguarding Manipur's integrity during the crisis.
A police commando, who participated in the confrontation with Kuki militants but chose to remain anonymous, expressed discontent with higher officials, alleging that they were not granted permission to retaliate with full force.
On the other hand, ambulance drivers have appealed to the public to refrain from obstructing or halting ambulances, emphasising the criticality of every passing second in saving precious lives.
It is a sombre state of affairs as the valley districts grapple with the aftermath of these tragic events, and the authorities are working to restore peace and ensure the safety of the citizens.
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