Who Are the Gunmen Responsible for the Deadly Manipur Ambush?

Imphal, July 1 (NationPress) The joint security forces are persisting in their search operations across Churachandpur and nearby districts of Manipur on Tuesday to apprehend the unknown gunmen responsible for the ambush that claimed the lives of four individuals, including a 72-year-old elderly woman, on Monday, according to officials.

A police spokesperson in Imphal stated that there have been no arrests made in connection with this tragic incident thus far. An FIR has been filed at the Churachandpur police station, and an investigation is actively underway to identify and capture the perpetrators.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a Hyundai Creta car was targeted in an ambush at Mongjang village within the Churachandpur district, leading to the fatalities of the occupants. Three men were shot dead on the spot inside the vehicle, while the elderly woman, who was merely passing by, was struck by a bullet from the assailants. She unfortunately succumbed to her injuries while being transported to the Churachandpur district hospital.

In response to the incident, security protocols have been heightened to avert any further escalation of violence. The official remarked, "Operations have been intensified by the combined security forces of both Central and State agencies to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act."

The deceased, whose remains have been placed in the morgue at Churachandpur hospital, have been identified as Phalhing (72), Thenkhothang alias Thahpi (48), Seikhogin (35), and Lengouhao (35).

The outlawed militant group United Kuki National Army (UKNA) has claimed responsibility for this attack, which targeted members of another armed Kuki faction that had entered into a peace agreement with the government back in 2008.

Sources indicate that the three male victims were affiliated with the Kuki National Army (KNA). This incident has sparked a factional conflict among the militant groups within the Kuki community, according to the sources.

Meanwhile, security forces have detained three militants from various banned organizations in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts, who are suspected of being involved in extortion activities. The militants are linked to the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and United National Liberation Front (UNLF). Authorities recovered multiple mobile SIM cards, phones, ATM cards, and various identification documents, including PAN and Aadhaar cards, along with some cash from the arrested militants.

One of the UNLF militants, identified as Khangembam Bishal Singh (19) alias Pakpa, a resident of Imphal East district, was reportedly involved in illicitly adjudicating land disputes and other issues through a makeshift kangaroo court.