Imphal: At least two people, including a woman and a village volunteer, were killed and several others, including a minor girl, were injured in an unprovoked attack by suspected Kuki militants in Koutruk village, Imphal West district, on Sunday afternoon. The attack occurred amidst the State government’s efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
The deceased woman has been identified as 33-year-old Ngangbam Surbala from Phayeng Umang Leikai, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to RIMS Hospital in Imphal, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Her 13-year-old daughter, Ng Rojiya, suffered injuries to her right hand and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital. The identity of the other deceased village volunteer had not been confirmed at the time of this report.
Additionally, one State security personnel and seven others, whose identities have not been disclosed, are receiving medical care at various hospitals, including Raj Medicity Hospital.
Sources indicate that the suspected militants used bombs and assault rifles in the attack, with drones allegedly deployed to drop explosives on Koutruk village. According to family members, Surbala and her daughter had visited her maternal home earlier that morning.
A local resident reported that village volunteers had returned home after security forces conducted combing operations in the area. Taking advantage of the reduced security presence, the suspected militants launched attacks from three different directions within the village.
The attack took place just days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh assured in an interview that normalcy would return to the state within six months.
Reports further informed that a reporter of a local TV channel also sustained injuries.
The Manipur government has strongly condemned the attack on unarmed villagers in Koutruk, describing it as an attempt to disrupt the ongoing peace efforts. The attack, carried out using drones, bombs, and sophisticated weapons, has been widely criticized. In a statement by the State Home Department, the government announced that immediate measures had been taken to control the situation and promised to bring those responsible to justice.
