SENAPATI/UKHRUL: Suspected Kuki armed militants reportedly opened fire towards Khamsom village, a Poumai Naga settlement in Senapati district, at around 5:30 pm on Saturday, triggering panic among villagers.
According to reliable local sources, the armed men allegedly fired towards an agricultural area belonging to Khamsom villagers using automatic rifles, creating fear among residents.
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Villagers have also raised concerns over the alleged movement of additional armed militants towards the border area. According to local sources, villagers have reportedly sighted Kuki vehicles allegedly transporting armed cadres towards the area, raising fears of further escalation.
“Kukis are now bringing more militants to our border. Villagers have seen Kuki vehicles transporting their militants. We need backup and reinforcement immediately,” a local source said.
Khamsom village is located along the border of Senapati district, adjoining Saikul subdivision of Kangpokpi district, with Ukhrul district on the other side.
There were no reports of casualties at the time of filing this report. However, villagers remained apprehensive following the sound of gunfire and concerns over the reported movement of armed personnel.
Local residents have called for the immediate deployment of additional security forces and reinforcement in the area to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of civilians.
Further details are awaited.
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The reported firing at Khamsom comes a day after four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an ambush by suspected Kuki militants near New Haven, along National Highway-202 in Ukhrul district, on November 13.
