At least 10 suspected Kuki militants have been reportedly killed and several others injured following fierce gunfights that took place between state police, central forces and Kuki militants at various places under the jurisdiction of Phougakchao Police Station in Bishnupur district on Thursday.
According to sources, five including a Bishnupur district commando, a jawan of Kumaon regiment and three village volunteers, sustained bullet injuries during the fierce gunfight between a combined force and Kuki militants.
The commando personnel of Bishnupur district has been identified as Nameirakpam Ibomcha, 40, of Keinou Thongkha, Bishnnupur district.
The gunfight has been going on since 8 am Wednesday, the sources said.
The sources said at around 5 am Thursday, state forces saw some Kuki militants coming in two Shaktiman trucks upon which the state forces took position to defend from any attack.
On seeing the state police force, the Kuki militants fired several rounds towards the state police to which the state police retaliated, even firing rounds of bombs towards the militants.
It is reported that at least 10 Kuki militants were killed and several were injured during retaliation from State police. Kuki militants also fired several bombs and RPGs towards state police.
The gunfight occurred at Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Leikai, Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai and Terakhongsangbi Moirang Turel Mapan.
Among the injured, the Bishnupur district commando and a village defence volunteer have been admitted at Raj Medicity for further treatment while another two village volunteers are being treated at Bishnupur district hospital.
Police reported that they were injured with splinters.
Meanwhile, another gunfight occurred at Koutruk under Sekmai assembly constituency on Thursday at around 6:40 pm. Some Kuki militants started firing towards the state forces deputed in the area to which the state forces also retaliated.
Till the filing of this report, no injury was reported from the firing even as it continued.
In another incident, heavy firing took place between militants and BSF at Monomphai village under Yaingangpokpi police station in Imphal east district on Thursday as the state remained hit by the worst escalation of violence in months.
According to sources, the incident took place around 5 pm.
The BSF personnel, following reports that Kuki militants were constructing a bunker in the area around noon, advanced towards the area during which the heavy exchange of fire took place.
The gunfight took place for almost an hour. However, there were no reports of casualties from either sides till the time of filing this report.
