Two farmers were killed and two others injured after an armed group allegedly ambushed a group of farmers while they were working in a paddy field in Lanka village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday, officials said.
The incident took place around 7.30-8am at Langka Naga village, where more than 40 armed men carrying sophisticated weapons allegedly attacked the farmers, according to officials quoting local villagers.
The two deceased, W Chawang, 34, and Kawidinang Abonmai, 55, suffered gunshot wounds and died at the spot. Two others, Maliangjinang Abonmai, 52, and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 50, were seriously injured and later airlifted to RIMS Hospital in Imphal for treatment.
According to locals, the incident occurred at around 8am when the farmers were reportedly attacked by suspected cadres of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and Kuki National Front (KNF), both militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact.
However, the official reason for the attack is yet to be ascertained, officials said.
The attack has triggered fresh tension in the area, with the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M) announcing an immediate emergency total shutdown across Liangmai Naga-inhabited areas of the state.
{{/usCountry}}The attack has triggered fresh tension in the area, with the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M) announcing an immediate emergency total shutdown across Liangmai Naga-inhabited areas of the state.
{{/usCountry}}In a statement, the LNC-M condemned the killings and alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) faction Kuki militants. The council called for immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of civilians.
Under the shutdown, all shops, offices, educational institutions and other non-essential activities will remain closed until further notice. Medical services, fire services and other essential and emergency response operations have been exempted.
The council appealed to members of the community to observe the shutdown peacefully and in a disciplined manner, while urging people to remain calm and united.
Security forces have been deployed in the area following the attack, while further details regarding the circumstances of the firing and the identities of those responsible are awaited.