Unidentified gunmen killed two migrant labourers from Bihar in Manipur’s Kakching district on Saturday evening, while police shot dead an 18-year-old militant in Thoubal district following a brief exchange of fire. Seven others belonging to the banned Imphal valley-based group PREPAK were arrested in a related operation, TNN reported.
The slain labourers, identified as Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dasharat Kumar (17), hailed from Rajwahi village in Gopalganj district, Bihar. The two construction workers were cycling home along the Kakching-Wabagai Road to their rented accommodation in Kakching Bazar when they were ambushed and shot. Police rushed the grievously injured duo to a hospital, but they succumbed to their injuries en route.
This marks the second fatal attack on migrant workers since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. Earlier this year in May, unidentified assailants killed a 41-year-old migrant labourer and injured two others in Imphal. Those victims were from Godda district, Jharkhand.
Following Saturday’s attack, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the killing of two migrant workers from that state in Manipur’s Kakching district. Heartfelt condolences to their family, a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
“He has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the immediate family members of the deceased… (he) also directed officials of the state’s social welfare and labor departments to ensure that the family members get other benefits, too, as per existing provisions,” it said.
The Manipur government on Sunday also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the two teenagers from Bihar who were shot dead by unidentified persons on Saturday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the incident could be part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize the state.
“I strongly condemn the brutal killing of young brothers… This act of terrorism is a direct assault on our values, and my deepest condolences go out to their grieving families,” Singh posted on X.
“In this crucial juncture, we cannot ignore the possibility that this horrific crime is part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize our state and push it further towards chaos. We must stand together against these destructive forces and ensure that they do not succeed in creating fear and insecurity,” he further wrote.
Stating that an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh would be provided to each bereaved family, the CM said every possible effort was being made to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.
“If required, the case will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry,” he added.
(With inputs from agencies)