At least five villagers were injured while one is in a critical condition following a gunfight at Phayeng and Koutruk in Imphal West district when the villages were attacked by suspected Kuki militants, sources said.
According to the police, the firing reportedly started at around 11 am when some suspected Kuki militants opened fire towards the villagers of Phayeng, Singda Dam and Koutruk area, all almost simultaneously.
The armed militants opened fire at the villagers with lathode bombs, including two-inch mortar, police said.
The villagers, along with the state police force, retaliated the attack during which at least five villagers received bullet injury with one in a critical condition, police said.
The injured have been identified as one N Tomba, 50, from Lamshang Bazaar; N Tomba, 42, from Phayeng Sabal Leikai; Puyam Gilip, 28, from Lamshang; Thingujam Meiraba, 18 from Singda Part-1 and Laishram Romesh, 38 from Yumnam Khunou. They were rushed to RIMS hospital for treatment.
According to the hospital authorities, Tomba received bullet injury on his left shoulder; N Tomba on his upper arms; Gulip below his chest; Meiraba upper arm while Romesh received bullet injury on his right thumb.
Hospital authorities reported that besides Gulip, the remaining injured are out of danger. Gulip is undergoing treatment at RIMS hospital as one bullet is stuck inside his chest.
Meanwhile, all the personnel of Kangchup police station, including the OC were camped at the 22nd Assam Rifles camp at Singda, Kangpokpi district in an attempt to seek proper defence from the fierce gun battle at the Kangchup hill range.
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