Imphal: Fresh violence erupted at Kwakta village in Bishnupur district in strife-torn Manipur in the wee hours on Saturday. Three people from two families were brutally killed by suspected Kuki militants at Kwakta Ward Number 8. The victims include a father and his son, as well as another individual. The disturbing incident occurred at around 3 am when the victims were sleeping in their homes. The militants reportedly dragged them out of their homes and were shot point blank. The situation underscores the urgency for authorities to address and find a resolution to the conflict to protect the lives and safety of the people in the area.
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Yumnam Pishak and his son Yumnam Premkumar (37), who was a VDF (Village Defence Force), were shot and hacked with sharp weapons in their home. Nearby, Yumnam Jiten (58) who was alone in his house was also brutally shot dead. It may be mentioned that due to the ongoing violence in the area, most of the villagers have taken refuge in relief camps and other safer places, leaving only a few members of each family in their respective homes.
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Late Premkumar’s wife Asha who was at her maternal home in Upokpi yesterday said, she last spoke to him last evening at around 9.30 pm and received the news of the brutal killing only this morning. She expressed anguish over the government for failing to resolve the ongoing conflict. Asha also condemned the paramilitary forces deployed in the area for failing to protect them. She said the paramilitary forces failed their duty to protect them. While, late Yumnam Jiten’s wife remains inconsolable while filing this report.
Following the incident, there was heavy exchange of fire between the state forces and the suspected Kuki militants in the area. During the encounter, one Manipur Commando, Paonam Apallo (32), was injured, and a youth sustained two bullet injuries on his left knee. Additionally, a woman also sustained a bullet injury on her thigh.
Due to the tense situation in Bishnupur district, the curfew relaxation has been curtailed to 10.30 AM. Similarly, the curfew relaxation in Imphal East and Imphal West districts has also been curtailed to 10.30 AM.
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