Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) Two persons were killed and three injured as fresh firing broke out at the Koutruk area in Imphal West district bordering Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district on Tuesday. One of the deceased’s head was badly blown off, sending shockwaves across restive Manipur.
In a statement, police said two individuals were killed in a firing incident “between armed miscreants at bordering area of Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts.”
The deceased have been identified as Nongthombam Michaeldev (33) of Wangkhei Thangapat Mapal in Imphal East district and Wangjam Khaba (23) of Sagoltongba area in Imphal West.
Michaeldev was a BE in civil engineering and had been defending Koutruk areas from Kuki militants’ sporadic attacks since the past few months, said his friend Angom Tomba.
“My lovely friend Michaljit was BE in civil engineering. He was a soft spoken and a cool person. We are shocked to hear his demise in today firing at Koutruk,” Tomba added.
Police retrieved the bodies from the spot and deposited them at the mortuary of RIMS here for post mortem.
The three injured persons, including former Manipur unit BJYM president M Barish Sharma of Wangkhei area in Imphal East, have also been rushed to the same hospital. Ng Sanjit (19) one Akasha are the other two, and they are said to be out of danger.
Top police and military officials rushed to the spot to monitor the situation. Security reinforcements were also sent there.
Locals said heavily armed Kuki militants clad in security forces’ uniform began attacking Kadangband Part II and adjoining Koutruk areas around 1.55 pm from Bethel hill range. The areas come under Lamsang police station.
Village Defence Volunteers (VDVs) immediately launched counter attack and a heavy gunfight ensued during which the two were killed and three injured.
The dreadful picture of the body with its head being splashed off went viral on social media. The body is said to be of Michaeldev even as many believed that he might have been fired point black on his head enough to blow all its parts off.
