UKHRUL: Three individuals were reportedly injured in a confrontation between suspected Kuki and Naga armed groups near Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi District, Manipur, today.
According to reliable sources, the firing began at around 6 AM and continued for approximately four hours. The victims have been identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18), from Mission Veng, Paogovlal Chongloi (18), from P Moulding, both under the Leimakhong Police Station, and Lunliandan Vaiphei (20) from Kanul Tangnom, under Yairipok Police Station. The situation is now reportedly under control following the intervention of security forces.
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Sources also indicated that the injured individuals were first admitted to the Army Hospital in Leimakhong and, under heavy security arrangements, were later transferred to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
Meanwhile, the L. Munlui village, a Kuki village located between Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages, has condemned what it describes as an attack on the village by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) at around 6:00 AM today. The village authority reported that three village volunteers sustained serious injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical care. Further, they alleged that the attack originated from the CRPF bunker near Konsakhul.
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The villagers have also alleged that the CRPF appeared to have supported the NSCN-IM and have called for the withdrawal of the CRPF station from Konsakhul village.
On the other hand, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has expressed strong opposition to the admittance of the three injured Kuki individuals to the RIMS hospital. Stating that they have visited the casualty ward where the three ‘Kuki militants’ are admitted, the Naga student body queried why the Kuki militants are being guarded and brought by the Indian security forces into the hospital.
