Imphal: Suspected Kuki militants launched drone attacks in Koutruk, Imphal West area on Sunday, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old woman and injuring ten others, including her 6-year-old daughter and a journalist from the Impact News.
The deceased, Ngangbam Surbala, was fatally shot while visiting her maternal home. Her daughter and other injured individuals, including Impact News reporter Elangbam Mushuk, are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
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State and Central forces engaged in a heavy exchange of fire with the assailants, during which a state force personnel, Ngasekpam Robert, sustained critical injuries, suffering bullet wounds and bomb fragments on both legs and his abdomen. He is currently receiving treatment at Raj Medicity after being transferred from RIMS. Another civilian, Toijam Raj from Nambol was also injured in the attack and is being treated at RIMS hospital.
The situation remains tense as gunfights continue in the Kadangband area, with reports of suspected Kuki militants employing drone bombs in the ongoing conflict between the Meeteis/Meiteis and Kukis, forcing residents to flee their homes.
According to Newmai News Network, Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson of Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) was quoted saying that the attempt to ambush “innocent Kuki-Zo passengers” traveling along the only connecting road between Kangpokpi and Churachandpur resulted in a fresh gunfight today.
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Meanwhile, Manipur Home Department has issued a press release condemning the attack on unarmed villagers in Koutruk by suspected Kuki militants. The attack, which involved drones, bombs, and sophisticated weapons, resulted in one death and several injuries. The State Government expressed serious concern over this act of terror, especially when efforts are being made to restore peace in the state. Immediate actions are being taken to control the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The government strongly condemned the incident, viewing it as an attempt to derail peace efforts in Manipur.
The list of the nine injured on Sunday’s attack at Koutruk are identified as:
- Inao Takhellambam of Uripok Polem Leikai
- Thadoi Heigrujam of Tharoijam
- Ngangbam Rojia Devi of Phayeng Mayai Leikai
- Ngasepam Robert Singh (Police personnel)
- Nongmaithem Ningoleima of Phumlou Mamang Leikai
- Sanabam Geeta of Phumlou
- Yurengjam Inao of Phumlou
- Ahanthem Sunita of Phumlou
- Ngangom Bidyasagar of Kwakeithel Konjing Leikai
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Here is what Manipur Police is saying [Courtesy X]:
In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfares, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation. The involvement of highly trained professionals, possibly with technical expertise and support, cannot be ruled out. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingency that may arise. Further, 01 (one) civilian identified as Ngangbam Surbala (31 yrs) succumbed to bullet injuries sustained in the attack, while her 8 years old daughter was injured on her arm. Also 02 (two) police personnel and 03 (three) civilian sustained injuries in the ongoing incident. Police appeals to the general public to maintain restraint. Combing operations are ongoing to flush out any inimical elements.
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