Three persons, including a woman, were killed while two persons were left injured in a crossfire between two armed groups at Khoken village under Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi district around 4 am on Friday.
The crossfire continued till 5.30 am, according to police. Khoken village is located right behind Sangaithel which is under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West.
Sources said that the gunfight took place between an armed group suspected to be Meitei villagers and another group holed up in a bunker at Khoken village.
The deceased persons have been identified as Khaimang Guite, aged 52 who was found dead in the forest, Domkhohoi Haokip, aged 65, wife of Seijang Haokip and one Jangpao Touthang, 45, while the injured persons are Thongneh Haokip, 50 and Thongkhojang Haokip, 27.
Police listed both the three deceased and two injured as villagers of Khoken village.
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According to police, post-mortem of the three deceased persons were conducted at CMO, Kangpokpi while the two injured were taken towards Noney after receiving first aid at 10 Assam Rifles based at Kotlen.
Immediately upon receiving reports of the gunfight, SP Imphal West S Ibomcha and Brigadier of 9-Sector, CO of 5/9-GR arrived and inspected the site.
As sounds of the gunfight was heard, womenfolk from nearby villages came out and stopped the Central forces from entering into the area by blocking the road from Maklang to Sangaithel. Even media persons were made to take an indirect route.
When the media persons arrived at Khoken village, it was found abandoned. A bunker built of wood and bamboo was found at the entrance of the village.
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