UKHRUL, NOV 13: A group of motorcyclists from Imphal’s Pangal community (Manipuri Muslims) were reportedly attacked by a mob at Shangkai village around 7 pm on Wednesday, according to sources. Shangkai is a small Kuki village located near Litan – a key junction for travellers in Ukhrul district.
Sources said the group, comprising 34 riders on 17 motorcycles, was returning to Imphal after visiting Mova Cave in Ukhrul, about 82 kilometres from the state capital.
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The cause of the altercation remains unclear. However, it is alleged that nine of the riders who stopped briefly at Shangkai made loud noises, prompting some villagers to confront and subsequently attack them.
Following the incident, the bikers and villagers, including the Shangkai village chairman, Kuki civil bodies reportedly reached a compromise at Litan Police Station.
Sources privy to the incident also said that the nine bikers were later escorted and dropped safely that same night by Litan Police and personnel of the Maha Regiment up to Yaingangpokpi.
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According to a report by Ichel News Network, one of the riders, Altaf Hussain from Urup, sustained a leg fracture and is undergoing treatment at JNIMS. Another rider was also reportedly injured. The report also stated that the mob used stones and sticks during the attack, damaging several motorcycles.