Fresh incidents of gunfire and alleged mortar attacks were reported along the violence-hit IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Tuesday morning, with Kuki civil society organisations alleging attacks on civilian settlements by armed groups and raising concerns over the conduct of security forces.
The incidents were reported from the Chaljang-Lhouthang-Twilang belt, a day after an alleged attack on N. Teikhang village in which three civilians, including two women, were killed and several others injured, according to Kuki organisations.
The Chaljang Village Authority alleged that the village came under heavy attack at around 8.05 am, with bombs reportedly fired towards the settlement. It alleged that a Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM group and its alleged proxy outfit, ZUF-K, carried out the attack.
The Twilang Area Kuki CSO Coordinating Committee alleged that a series of attacks took place between 4.40 am and 8.45 am from areas including Tapon, Theparam and Makui. It claimed that three heavy mortar bombs were fired towards Chaljang, with two exploding and another failing to detonate.
The committee said a 25-year-old civilian, identified as Lamkhojang of Lhouthang, was injured in the firing. It also raised concerns over security arrangements and alleged that attacks occurred near the CRPF station at Makui.
The Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers, Twilang Lhang, separately alleged that NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) cadres, assisted by Liangmei village guards, opened fire from the direction of Tapon village and Chawangkining, forcing its personnel to respond.
The organisations demanded an immediate and impartial investigation, action against those responsible and stronger measures to protect civilians and prevent further violence. The allegations could not be independently verified immediately.
