Two Kuki tribals reported to be volunteers were killed in heavy exchange of fire on Saturday at Pholjang village adjoining Kwakta, a Meitei Pangal dominated area in Bishnupur district.
The Hills Journal (THJ), an online news-site based in Churachandpur reported that the two Kuki volunteers, identified as Jangkhomang Haokip (38) and Lalkholen Guite (34) died in the frontline where Haokip succumbed to mortar injuries, while Guite was shot dead by a sniper.
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According to THJ, as many as 12 individuals from Kuki volunteers sustained injuries in the firing are undergoing treatment at District Hospital, Churachandpur. The injured persons were identified as Kamneilun (23) of Kangvai, Tongminthang (33) of Gothol, Janggoulun (25), Tuibong, Gibeon of Tuibong, Thanglet (47) of Bijang, Jamkhongam (49 of S. Phaipijang, Haolenmang (27) of B. Aijalon, Momon (38) of T. Champhai, Lunminthang (35) of S. Cananveng, Jangminthang (37) of K. Salbung,Thangjalun (38) of Zomi colony and Thangkam (52) of Gamphajang.
In connection with Saturday morning flare-up, three people from two families were brutally killed by suspected Kuki militants at Kwakta Ward Number 8. 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.
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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.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army informed that multiple operations were launched in the aftermath of incident at Kwakta at Bishnupur in the wee hours on Saturday. During one such search operation, Indian Army column drew effective fire from armed insurgents from general area Mongcham at approximately 5.30 pm Saturday, it said.
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The Indian Army also informed that it apprehended one armed insurgent of the Kuki Independent Army, a non Suspension of Operation (SoO) group who sustained gun shot wound, while others managed to escape. “One self loading rifle, ammunition and war like stores recovered,” it informed.
According to India Today April 2023 report, suspected KIA militants reportedly looted arms and ammunition at Horep designated camp located in Churachandpur district, a designated camp established under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement in Manipur.
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