Gunfire Erupts in Taphou Kuki Village, Resulting in Fatalities and Injuries
Tragic Incident in Taphou Kuki Village
A grieving relative breaks down beside the woman's dead body, on Thursday. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Nov 12: A tragic shooting incident occurred on Thursday morning in Taphou Kuki village, located near the boundary of Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, resulting in the death of a 40-year-old woman and injuries to two others. The sound of gunfire caused panic among farmers, who fled their paddy fields, disrupting activities along National Highway-2.
As per police reports, the shooting began around 11 am. Kimneineng Chongloi, the wife of Thanggou Chongloi and a resident of Taphou village, was struck by bullets and died at the scene.
The injured individuals have been identified as Sehngam Chongloi, also known as David, and Lamkhochon Chongloi, both from Taphou village, who also suffered gunshot wounds during the incident.
The gunfire erupted while villagers were engaged in harvesting paddy, forcing farmers to abandon their work and seek safety as the shots rang out.
Gunfire reportedly continues in the area. (AT Video)
In light of the escalating tensions, villagers have advised travelers to avoid the affected section of NH-2.
This incident follows the recent killings of two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village, whose bodies were discovered after they went missing on October 28.
Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, and Tinginlun Chongloi, 20, were found deceased on November 1 during search efforts, with their bodies located east of NH-2 along SP Road.
The murders sparked protests in Kangpokpi, with the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) demanding that the government address their list of grievances before claiming the bodies.
A significant demand from CoTU involves the transfer of jurisdiction over the area where the bodies were found from Senapati Police Station to Kangpokpi district, along with calls for a thorough investigation into the deaths and enhanced security measures in the region.
This jurisdictional issue has become a focal point amid the ongoing tensions in Taphou Kuki.
Prior to the shooting, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Taphou Kuki village, as authorities grappled with rising tensions in the area.
This story is still developing, and more information is expected to emerge.