Imphal: In a significant escalation of violence, a village volunteer belonging to the Naga community was injured after being shot at by suspected Kuki militants in Sinakeithei village under Ukhrul district on Wednesday, amid an ongoing shutdown called by Naga organisations.
The injured, identified as Chihanngam Rungsung, sustained a bullet wound to his heel after allegedly being targeted by a sniper at around 3:30 pm, according to sources. He was first taken to a nearby Border Security Force (BSF) post, where he received initial treatment, and was later shifted to the Ukhrul District Hospital for further medical care.
Following the incident, security forces rushed to the spot and launched combing operations in the area to trace those involved in the attack.
The shooting took place on the second day of a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM). The protest was triggered by the killing of two Naga civilians at TM Kasom along National Highway-202 on April 18.
The shutdown disrupted daily life across Naga-inhabited areas, with educational institutions, markets and banks remaining closed. Essential services, including medical facilities, media, fire services and water supply, were, however, exempted.
Meanwhile, the Naga bodies have called for a candlelight vigil on April 23 at 6:30 pm across district headquarters and in Imphal to protest the killings and express solidarity.