Woman killed in Kuki attack

Imphal: A 34-year-old woman was killed in a Kuki militant attack at Lailampat Loukol, Saiton Santipur Ward Number 6, under Kumbi Police Station in Bishnupur district, on Saturday.

The incident occurred just a day after violence erupted in Manipur’s Jiribam district, where a 31-year-old woman lost her life.

As per the police, the attack took place around 11 am. Kuki militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, allegedly opened fire on farmers working in nearby paddy fields from a short distance at the foothills.

Farmers attempted to flee but were unable to escape. Among them, the woman, identified as Sapam Ongbi Sonia of Watha Lambi, Bishnupur district, was wounded. Two bullet marks were found on her body—one on her right abdomen and another on her left chest, after penetrating through her left arm.

She succumbed to her injuries due to excessive blood loss.

Lailampat Loukol borders Churachandpur district.

Border Security Force personnel responded to the attack, leading to an exchange of gunfire, which lasted about 20 minutes.

An irate mob gathered and deposited the body at the BSF post in Saiton, alleging that the attack occurred due to the failure of security forces to protect people.

Due to the tension, the irate mob accused BSF personnel of being responsible for the attack, but the BSF has been securing the area. The Kuki militants are believed to be surveilling the area from Dampi Hills, looking for vulnerabilities, police said.

Security has been tightened in the surrounding areas to prevent further violence.

Women protestors were seen blocking central security forces along Tiddim Road in the Nambol area, about 18 km from Imphal, accusing them of bias in their actions.

Following a meeting with the BSF, state forces, and local villagers, an understanding was reached. The body was later taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences morgue in Imphal.