Imphal: Manipur’s Kuki Chief Union has appealed to the government for immediate enhanced security at K. Songlung Part II village following a militant attack on June 25 that left the village chairman injured.
According to the union’s Kangchup Media Cell, the village, located in Kangpokpi district, was attacked by alleged NSCN (IM) and ZUF (K) militants advancing from the neighbouring Naga village of Waphong Inthan.
The attackers were met with a prompt response from personnel of the 19 Assam Rifles, whose temporary deployment in the area provided immediate defence and forced the militants to retreat.
During the exchange of fire, village chairman Shemkholal Haokip sustained minor injuries. The union said this was the third major attack on K. Songlung Part II this year.
It stated that more than five houses and a four-wheeler were completely burnt down during an attack on January 26.
It further alleged that midnight attacks and mob violence on March 10 and 11 destroyed temporary shelters and tarpaulin structures.
Union representatives said Waphong Inthan is located near the area where three TBA pastors—Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou—were killed on May 13.
In light of the continuing violence, the union criticised central security forces, including the CoBRA unit, alleging that they had focused their operations on Kuki-Zo areas rather than addressing the Waphong Inthan sector.