Two personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, while two others were injured in an alleged attack by Kuki militants in Manipur on Saturday.
Following this, security forces were seen destroying a bunker where the two CRPF soldiers were killed. According to the Indian Observer, the bunker was at the site of Naranseina village, 45 km from the state capital Imphal used by suspected Kuki militants.
“A group of suspected Kuki insurgents came from the hills, which is only 2 km from the IRB camp, and when they reached a spot from the camp which was within their gun range, they opened up,” police told the media.
The insurgents reportedly used a crude form of handmade ‘artillery’ called the ‘pumpy gun’ which can shoot a fist-sized, mortar round-like explosive projectile, sources said.
However, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, which has been the voice of the Kuki-Zo tribals during the ethnic conflict, claimed the Meitei militants carried out the attack.
“The ITLF vehemently condemns the attack on Kuki-Zo areas near Khoirentak in Bishnupur district…Kuki-Zo tribals have always appreciated the presence of central security forces and we have lauded their efforts in protecting the lives of civilians,” the ITLF said in a statement.
In another incident, according to The New Indian Express, a gunfight broke out between two groups in Manipur, following which a 33-year-old man was found dead.
According to the police, the gunfight happened at Sinam Kom on the border of the Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts on Friday night.
A ‘village volunteer’, Laishram Prem alias ‘Bungomcha’ was reportedly hit by a bullet and he fell into a deep gorge. The 33-year old’s body was retrieved on Saturday morning.
Security forces were deployed in the area to prevent a flare-up.