Imphal: Fresh violence was reported across Manipur’s hill districts on September 23, with an electric lineman shot dead in Tamenglong district and at least 24 houses set ablaze in Kangpokpi district.
In the first incident, a 36-year-old electric lineman was allegedly shot dead around 4:00 AM while carrying out maintenance work on a 33 KV power line at Lasan village under Tamei police station. Police identified the deceased as Paojangam Chongloi, son of Lutjalam Chongloi, a resident of Wakotphai village.
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 29 km east of the Tamei police station. A police team was subsequently dispatched to the village after receiving information about the shooting.
However, difficult terrain hampered the team’s movement, prompting authorities to seek assistance from Kangpokpi District Police for tactical support and a spot investigation. As of the time of reporting, Chongloi’s body had not been brought to the Kangpokpi district headquarters.
Following the killing, a local village authority approached law enforcement agencies seeking registration of a Zero FIR and a detailed investigation into the death. The complaint alleged that NSCN-IM cadres, along with armed volunteers from Langka village, were involved in the attack.
Police officials, however, said the allegations had not been independently verified and that the identities of those responsible were still under investigation.
Meanwhile, a separate incident was reported from Kangpokpi district, where at least 24 houses in two Naga villages were allegedly set on fire by unidentified miscreants.
Investigations into both incidents are underway.