Imphal: Heavy firing was reported in the Pallel area of Tengnoupal District adjoining Kakching District today injuring three personnel of the Manipur police commando. Sources say the exchange of fire began around 6:30 AM, and was ongoing at the time of this report.
Manipur Police has issued clarification that the exchange of fire is between state security forces and armed miscreants at Pallel and not between Kuki militants and Meetei village volunteers as reported on social media.
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Upon learning of the firing incident in the morning, a large number of local residents, including Meira Paibi women, marched towards the scene, sources say. An intense scuffle occurred when the agitators were intercepted by Assam Rifles near Pallel Beat Office. The security personnel attempted to control the mob by opening blank fires while being confronted by the Meira Paibis.
The scuffle resulted in more than 50 agitators being injured. Five individuals were hit by stray bullets, with one person, identified as Yengkhom Jiten (43) from Kakching, succumbing to bullet injury on his head.
The injured individuals were taken to Jivan Hospital in Kakching, and those with bullet injuries were referred to other hospitals in Imphal for further treatment. More details coming through.
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Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) said one Assam Rifles jawan and one Kuki-Zo village volunteer were killed in today’s firing. ITLF accused that Meitei gunmen dressed in military combat uniforms began firing at the village from a nearby hill. ITLF said village guards and some India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel stationed near the village returned fire on the militants.
Ukhrul Times has not been able to independently verify the casualties of one Assam Rifles jawan and one Kuki-Zo village volunteer at the time of filing this report, as claimed by ITLF.
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