Kuki militants and village volunteers exchanged heavy gunfire at Khamenlok area which is located 9 km north east from Sagolmang Police station, Imphal East around 5.30 am on Saturday.
As per sources, the gunfight which erupted in the areas of Khamenlok, Pukhao Shantipur and Changsang villages reached the Ramchandra Hill under the jurisdiction of Saikul Police station, Kangpokpi district.
During the gunfight village volunteers took control of five bunkers which were used by the Kuki militants, said sources.
A release from the police control room said, an individual was killed in a firing incident between armed miscreants at Satand hill range, Kangpokpi district.
However unconfirmed reports said, at least two Kuki militants were dead but the numbers may have risen as the gunfight still continues.
Four village volunteers also sustained injuries, and they have been evacuated to RIMS, Raj Medicity and Shija Hospital. Of the two volunteers receiving treatment at Shija Hospital, one has been shifted to ICU, as per sources.
In another incident, one woman village volunteer died after she fell down from a tractor in Sawombung. The deceased has been identified as Lairenlakpam Bimola, 45, wife of L Bijoy of Kangla Shiphai. Her body has been kept at JNIMS mortuary.
Our Kangpokpi Correspondent added that Satang village in Saikul Subdivision of Kangpokpi district came under attack early Saturday morning leading to the death of one Kuki village volunteer in the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Tilminlun Khongsai, 26, from Ng Phainom village, who was on duty at Satang village which shares a boundary with Meitei villages.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills have vehemently condemned the attack.
The Kuki-Zo people also accused the Commanding Officer of the 18th Assam Rifles of helping the militant group in attacking Satang Kuki village.
Perhaps, it is construed as the presence of a Meitei officer within the Kuki-Zo areas is the possible reason for the attack, alleged CoTU.
Considering the circumstances, the Committee drew the attention of the Centre Government to depute a non-Manipuri officer in all sectors, the AR, BSF, GR, CRPF, and other central forces in Kuki-Zo dominated to maintain neutrality and sanctity of the force.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur considered the attack as instigating a state of fear and unrest among the Kuki civilians in the region.
