Bishnupur: At least four villagers, including a father and son from Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou village in Bishnupur district were brutally killed by suspected Kuki militants on Thursday evening.
The deceased persons are identified as Oinam Bamonjao (61), his 32-year-old son, Oinam Manitomba and Thiyam Somen (54), all from Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou. Another villager from the same village, identified as Ningthoujam Nabadip Meetei (40) was also found shot dead.
Must read | Manipur CDOs in Moreh attacked by Kuki Militants says Kuldiep Singh; hints involvement of Myanmar militants
According to officials, the incident occurred at around 4:30 pm on Thursday when suspected Kuki militants open fired at the villagers near Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou water reservoir.
According to locals, around 6 heavily armed persons were allegedly seen coming downhill towards one of the deceased, Oinam Bamonjao’s farm and soon sound of gunshots was heard. Locals reportedly rushed towards the site and found the villagers lying dead. Locals also said the deceased villagers were tilling their farmland when the attacked took place.
Also read | Father son among 3 bodies recovered out of 4 missing villagers of Wangoo Terakhong Akasoi in fresh Manipur Violence
Authorities are investigating the case. Security forces have been intensified in search operations in the area to trace those involved.
Bishnupur police retrieved the bodies and deposited them at the Bishnupur District Hospital where YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Bishnupur district SP visited the hospital, before the four bodies were transferred to RIMS mortuary in Imphal for autopsy.
Must read | Manipur’s Moreh on the boil: 3 lives lost, including 2 Manipur Commandos, 1 Kuki-Zo woman
The local of Ningthoukhong village late evening staged protest demanding to nab the culprits. They said that they will not claim the bodies of the deceased until the culprits are arrested.