Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, May 13: At least three members of the Kuki community lost their lives and several others were injured after armed assailants attacked two vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, according to police officials.
The incident occurred along Tiger Road in the hilly district when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicles carrying passengers returning from a religious gathering. Authorities confirmed that three individuals died at the scene, while multiple passengers sustained injuries.
The deceased were identified as Vumthang, Pastor Paogoulen and Pastor Kaigoulun. According to the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), the victims were all Baptist Church leaders from the Kuki community.
In a statement shared on social media, the KSO alleged that the attack was carried out by a Naga armed group on the Kangpokpi–Churachandpur (Lamka) route as the church leaders were returning after attending the UBC Convention in Lamka. The organisation claimed that four people were killed and several others critically wounded, and demanded a swift and impartial investigation into the attack.
Following the ambush, senior police officers and security personnel rushed to the area and launched extensive search operations to trace those responsible.
The attack is being viewed as the first major militant strike reported in Manipur this year.
Meanwhile, security agencies intensified anti-insurgency operations across the state. During the last 24 hours, five militants linked to various banned outfits — including the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) — were arrested from Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
In separate joint operations conducted on May 10 and 11, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police Commandos dismantled militant hideouts in Imphal West and Kakching districts.
Defence officials said the raids led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, explosives and military supplies, including INSAS rifles, AK-56 rifles, M-4 rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, bombs, detonators and ammunition. One active member of the banned KCP (Taibanganba) faction was also apprehended during the operations.
“Assam Rifles remains committed to maintaining peace, security and stability in Manipur,” a defence spokesperson stated.