Imphal: Several Kuki organisations, including the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), on Monday condemned the killing of three Meitei villagers and the injury of four others in a shooting in in the inter-district area between Imphal East and Kangpokpi, while calling for an investigation into the incident.
According to Manipur Police, suspected armed militants opened fire on a group of firewood collectors at Khongbal Tangkhul, under Sagolmang Police Station, on Monday morning. Three villagers were killed and four others injured.
Police said around 14 villagers were targeted in the attack. The injured were evacuated for medical treatment.
The CoTU, Khamenlok Area Core Committee and Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
The Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee called for a transparent government investigation to establish the circumstances of the attack and bring those responsible to justice. Representatives of the CoTU and Khamenlok Area Core Committee also warned that such incidents could deepen mistrust between communities.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Army and Assam Rifles are conducting coordinated operations to stabilise the area and identify those responsible, according to the authorities.
Authorities said legal and operational measures against those involved would be intensified and urged the public to cooperate in maintaining peace.