Ex-serviceman killed in suspected militant ambush in Manipur: Police

Four vehicles travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul were allegedly attacked by suspected Kuki militants, who fired at the vehicles and escaped

An ex-serviceman of the Indian Army’s Naga regiment was allegedly killed on Saturday, with several others injured, during a reported ambush on four vehicles by suspected Kuki militants near Litan village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, police said.

The incident occurred on the day when chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul. (Representative image)

The deceased identified as SW Chinaoshang belonged from Ukhrul’s Tashar village, confirmed police.

The incident occurred around 2.30 pm between Litan and TM Kasom village under Litan police station in Ukhrul. Four vehicles travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul were allegedly attacked by suspected Kuki militants, who fired at the vehicles and escaped, said police.

Of the two injured taken to Ukhrul district hospital, one of them identified as Yaruingam Vashum (42) of Kharasom CV village succumbed to bullet injuries, said police. Security forces have been deployed in the area.

The incident occurred on the day when chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul as part of his ‘journey for peace’. He also visited Kuki villages and interacted with the villagers.

Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a Kuki-Zo civil body in a statement on Saturday refuted involvement of Kuki militants in the firing incident. “We categorically and unequivocally deny any involvement of Kuki-Zo individuals or groups in this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

Earlier on Friday, another gunfight incident in Ukhrul’s Sinakeithei village erupted between suspected Kuki village volunteers and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers.

According to police the incident occurred around 12.30 pm and lasted till 2 pm. During retaliation by security forces including Manipur Rifles, Border Security Forces (BSF) and Mahar regiment of Indian army, a Kuki villager sustained minor bullet injuries.

Police said the gunfight resumed from 10pm and lasted till 2 am of Saturday.

On April 10, a BSF constable was allegedly killed during a gunfight between Tangkhul Naga village volunteers and suspected Kuki militants at Ukhrul’s Mongkot Chepu.

Unrest in Manipur began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities, claiming at least 260 lives and displacing around 60,000 people.