In an attack by Kuki militants, a youth who was holding guard to protect his village at Phayeng under Lamshang Police Station in Imphal West was killed while another was left injured around 1.18 am on Sunday, sources said.
According to the sources, the victims were staying at a bunker which was built at freedom hills in Phayeng village when Kuki militants armed with automatic assault rifles opened fire at them.
The deceased has been identified as one Angom Bashanta alias Dr Chaoba, 28, son of Ingojao from Phayeng Ching Khunou, while Angom Premjit alias Ngouba ,29, son of Ingojao from Phayeng Ching Khunou sustained bullet injuries.
They have been guarding the village by building bunkers at freedom hills of Phayeng since May 6. Around 20 youths have been taking turns to guard the village.
Bashanta had left his home around 4 pm on Saturday to take his turn to stand guard at the bunker. He was reportedly attacked from two sides by Kuki militants who used automatic assault rifles. His body was found inside the bunker. He is survived by his wife and a two-month old child.
A Premjit sustained a bullet injury on his right shoulder and he is being treated at Shija Hospitals.
Recalling the incident, the local womenfolk of of Phayeng told the media that when the Phayeng villagers were attacked by Kuki militants, not a single bullet was fired from the personnel of 184Bn CRPF F-Coy which were being stationed at the Primary School of Phayeng Ching Khunou.
“They did not even step out of the school. What is the use of their presence? The Central forces should be sent back,” they said.
They narrated that the Kuki militants approached the village and started shooting after the personnel of 22-AR, who are stationed at Singda, finished their patrolling and left the village.
“We had repeatedly requested Sekmai MLA H Dingo to install a post of Manipur Police at Payeng Ching but all in vain,” they said.
MLA Dingo reportedly came to take stock of the situation but he was denied entry by the womenfolk of Phayeng, as per sources.
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In the meantime, when the personnel of 184 Bn CRPF F-COY came out to conduct a Road Opening Patrol (ROP) on Sunday, they were driven back to the school by the enraged womenfolk who were armed with their wrap-around garments and sticks.
When media personnel took video recordings of the women in action, CRPF personnel attempted to snatch the cameras but they were halted by the womenfolk.
Also Read: Six die, several hurt in firing by Kuki militants; enraged mobs take to streets in Manipur
