Village volunteers exchanged heavy gunfire with suspected Kuki militants at Leikinthabi under Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West early Wednesday.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 4.15 am when the Kuki militants reportedly opened unprovoked firing. The village volunteers retaliated, leading to a heavy exchange of fire.
The gunfight reportedly occurred for over four hours. Locals also reported hearing gunshots later in the day. It is also said that the militant side sustained injuries and were seen carrying the injuries to their hideout, however the same is yet to be verified.
As the gunshots rang out, womenfolk of the area came out and blocked the routes along Awang Potsangbam, Leikinthabi, Sekmai and Kanglatongbi Bazar, to stop Assam Rifles and central forces’ vehicles.
The exchange of fire continued later in the day around 3.40 pm between militants and village volunteers. The militants reportedly advanced from Luwang Sangol and Phairen village, to which the village volunteers retaliated from Khongnangpokpi mathak chanbirok area.
Amid the clash, 22 Assam Rifles posted at Luwang Sangol reportedly fired multiple shots and hurled bombs towards the 4th IRB Post at Pangal Tabi near Sekmai River area and at the police outpost in Nongthonband Khajing Pat, sources said. Following which, the irate IRB and Police personnel also opened fire in retaliation.
Meanwhile, the womenfolk of Kanglatombi Bazar equipped themselves with cudgels and scythes after receiving information about numerous womenfolk armed with weapons coming to Kanglatombi side from Motbung area on Wednesday evening around 6.30 am, sources said.
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