IMPHAL, Oct 18: Three Tangkhul Naga civil defence volunteers sustained gunshot injuries during an alleged attack by suspected Kuki militants in Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the Naga Village Guard (NVG), Eastern Command.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2.30 pm on October 17, when suspected militants allegedly opened fire towards residential areas, triggering panic among residents. The NVG alleged that members of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and Village Volunteers of Eastern Zone (VVEZ), based in Chassad Kuki village, were involved in the firing. It claimed that Naga civil defence guards retaliated and drove back the suspected attackers.
The injured were identified as T Chithung of Ningchou and S Malung and M Shithung of Bungpa Khullen. All three sustained gunshot injuries and were stabilised at Kamjong Hospital, the statement said.
The NVG further alleged that personnel of the 11 Assam Rifles stationed at Chassad supported the suspected attackers. According to the organisation, the personnel advanced towards Kamjong in two Casspir vehicles, fired shots and launched stun bombs towards civilian areas. The bombs allegedly landed on residential properties, damaging several houses and other property.
The organisation accused the Indian government of supporting Kuki militant groups and alleged that the incident was intended to undermine the Indo-Naga peace process, which began in 1997.
Condemning the alleged attack, the NVG urged Naga communities to remain vigilant and warned of serious repercussions if similar incidents were repeated. It also reiterated its commitment to protecting Naga land, identity and people.
