Ukhrul: A farmer was injured in a suspected shooting incident between armed groups in Yaingangpokpi Uyok Chingkhong, Imphal East, on Monday morning. The farmer, identified as Kanshok Horam (32) from New Canaan Village, Ukhrul District, sustained injuries to his hands and legs from a 12-bore firearm while tending to his farm. The incident reportedly occurred around 9:15 AM when armed assailants allegedly fired from Layaram Cemetery near Phaimol (Sangaren Village) at a group of farmers working in the fields.
Also read | Thadou Community International Condemns Killing of Sapam Ongbi Sonia Devi by Suspected Kuki Militants
According to Kanshok Horam, he was among nine farmers, all Tangkhul Nagas, with one Nepali farmer among them, engaged in paddy harvesting when the firing began. As bullets rained down, Kanshok said two others managed to flee, leaving the rest behind.
Sources reported that the exchange of fire was between rival Meitei volunteers and Kuki volunteers. However, Ukhrul Times could not verify which group started the gunfire. Kanshok Horam was rushed to Yaingangpokpi PHC for treatment. A combined team of Manipur Police and BSF later arrived to rescue the remaining farmers from the scene.
Also read | United Naga Council writes to AK Mishra to reschedule November 13 Tripartite Talks in Senapati
In a separate incident, armed assailants reportedly opened fire around 3:30 AM along the Saiton-Watha road in Bishnupur District, injuring a Meitei village volunteer. He was subsequently taken to Raj Medicity for treatment. An exchange of gunfire between security forces and the assailants reportedly continued for hours.
It may be noted that recently, a young married woman, Sapam Ongbi Sonia Devi (39) heading to her paddy field was shot dead in a firing incident in the same area on Saturday. Another young mother, Zosangkim Hmar (31) was shot dead in Zairawn village, located in Jiribam district on November 7.
Must read | Kuki MLAs Issue Strong Rebuttal to Solicitor General’s Supreme Court Statement