Violence Erupts Again in Manipur's Kangpokpi District, One Dead
Renewed Violence in Kangpokpi
Manipur's fresh Kangpokpi violence kills one while leaving three other critically injured on Friday (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Aug 14: A new wave of violence struck Manipur's Kangpokpi district early Friday, resulting in one fatality and three individuals suffering severe injuries due to an attack in Langka Naga village, situated along the Kangpokpi-Tamenglong border.
The victim has been identified as Wiriliangbou Chawang, aged 34, who died from injuries inflicted by gunfire.
The injured parties include Kawidinang Abonmai (55), Maliangjininang Abonmai (52), and Namthiulungbou Primai (50).
According to a senior official, a group of militants armed with advanced weaponry launched an assault on Langka Naga village around 8 AM.
"W Chawang was pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained gunshot wounds to the head. Three other villagers were also injured during the incident," the official stated.
Witnesses reported that members of the Naga village retaliated by firing at the suspected attackers following the initial assault.
Local sources indicated that the victims were attacked while tending to their paddy fields. The details surrounding the incident and the identities of those involved remain unverified at this time.
Reports suggest that the injured individuals may require transfer to Imphal for more advanced medical care, depending on their condition.
Security forces have been deployed to the area in response to the attack, although no official statements have been released as of yet.
Langka Naga village, located along the Imphal-Tamei Road in the volatile Kangpokpi-Tamenglong border area, has a history of armed conflicts amid the ongoing unrest in the region.
This latest incident raises further alarms regarding security in Kangpokpi district, which has experienced numerous violent outbreaks despite ongoing efforts by authorities to restore peace.
The violence follows closely on the heels of recent disturbances in the Champhai area of Kangpokpi, where approximately ten homes and a church were reportedly set on fire, escalating tensions in the district amid ongoing ethnic conflicts.
The Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) has condemned the violence and is calling for the immediate apprehension of those responsible, a thorough investigation, and increased security measures in the region.
This resurgence of violence comes shortly after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh's visit to Kangpokpi on August 8, during which he announced the reopening of national highways for the free movement of all communities and the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur bus service, aimed at restoring normalcy and confidence in the state.