MANIPUR: Heavily armed militants have carried out deadly attacks at Tanjeng Khunou village in district Kakching of Manipur state in India, as unrest intensified in the strife-torn state.
According to Indian media, the militants carried out the indiscriminate attack on the village at 9:00 PM from Tangjeng Ahallup in district Bishnupur adjoining Tanjeng Khunu and Bongmol area in district Churachandpur.
After the attack, the village volunteers on guard duty retaliated by firing upon the militants, thus starting a fierce crossfire. Monday’s attack is the latest in the state’s escalating communal violence, the worst in decades, according to Indian media.
The shootout continued for hours and lasted till 3:30 AM on Tuesday. However, there are not yet confirmed reports of deaths and injuries.
Security Beefed-up After Attack
Upon hearing news of the fighting, an additional team of Kakching district police led by Kakching SP Th Vikramjit, immediately rushed to the site to provide cover to the residents. Security measures were also increased in the area following the attack.
A woman in the village told media that numerous appeals had been made to the state authorities to remove the bunkers set up by the Kukis along the roadside close to the village, to assure the safety of the villagers, but to no avail to date.
She expressed her anger, saying that the village remained vulnerable to militant attacks. The woman also appealed to the government to take necessary steps for the safety of the villagers at the earliest.
