Imphal, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : In Imphal, four individuals from the Kuki community were killed in separate suspected militant attacks in the Tamenglong and Noney districts on Sunday. Among the deceased were two women.
According to police reports, the first incident occurred in the Kaimai police jurisdiction at Tolen Kuki village, where two people, including one woman, lost their lives. In a second attack in Longpi village, located within the Nungba police area, two more individuals, including another woman, were shot dead.
In Tolen village, militants targeted the home of Lhingangai Singsit, resulting in her death. Her husband, Seineh Singsit, and their infant son were also injured. Tragically, Seineh succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital in Silchar, Assam. Security forces arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to provide medical assistance to the injured.
In the Longpi village attack, armed militants reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing Julie Gangte and R. Gangte.
All four victims were affiliated with the Kuki tribal community. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the violence, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. A statement from his office described such cowardly acts against civilians as unacceptable in a civilized society.
The Chief Minister extended condolences to the grieving families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. Local authorities, along with various organizations and lawmakers, condemned the attack in Tolen village, labeling it a deliberate attempt to create division and unrest within communities. They called for a fair investigation and the prompt arrest of those responsible.
Former Chief Minister and BJP leader N. Biren Singh termed the incident tragic and concerning. He expressed on social media that the attack on innocent individuals in Tolen Kuki village was heartbreaking and that such violence is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Several Kuki and Naga lawmakers also condemned the killings. Naga People’s Front legislator Awangbo Nyumi characterized the targeting of unarmed men, women, and children as a cowardly act with no place in civilized society.
Notably, this violence occurred on a day when the Kuki community commemorates ‘Sahanit Ni’ (Black Day) on September 13, in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Kuki-Naga conflict in the 1990s.
This latest outbreak of violence comes amid ongoing efforts to restore peace in Manipur, where ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have resulted in over 306 deaths since May 2023. Additionally, 49 people remain missing, and thousands have been displaced.
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