Suspected Kuki militants set ablaze four farmhouses and a car after a gunbattle with the village volunteers of Leikinthabi Santipur on Monday.
As per sources, the suspected Kuki militants attacked from the hill range of Tombirok under the jurisdiction of Sekmai Police Station at around 3.30 am. The village volunteers also retaliated and the gunbattle continued till 10.30 am, sources said.
Hearing the news of the gunbattle, a large number of womenfolk halted the Central forces vehicles from entering the area at Koirengei, Awang Potsangbam, Awang Leikinthabi, Sekmai Bazar and Pheidinga.
The suspected Kuki militants also desecrated a Flag of Kangleipak (Salai Taret Flag) which was put up on Tombirok Hill on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, a DI Tata carrying three dead bodies was seen going towards Motbung through Kanglatombi during the gunbattle.
A farmhouse in Chirik village near Mapao Khullen, three farmhouses in Chanbilok, a Maruti 800 car bearing registration number MNA3487 and clothes were set ablaze by the suspected Kuki militants, added the sources. The Kuki militants were seen moving towards the hills of Chirik village when the village volunteers went in search of them.
Villagers of Khongnangpokpi Kom, particularly women and children, have been taking shelter in Mapao Khullen Community Hall.
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