Imphal: At least three people including a woman killed and two other injured when a gunfight between Kuki militants and armed groups suspecting to be Meeties at Khoken village under Kangpokpi district on Friday.
The North East Affairs earlier mentioned the number of casualties to eight. However, after inputs from different sources, the number of deaths was reduced to three only.
The deceased have been identified as Jangpao Thouthang, Khaimang Guite and Domkhoi. The two injured individuals have been identified as Thongneh and Thangkhojang.
The incident took place around 4.20 am at Khoken Kuki-Zo village, near Sangaithel village which lies between Kangpokpi and Imphal West district.
The gunfight reportedly ceased after central security forces including Gorkha regiment and state police forces stationed at the nearby areas rushed to the spot and intervened in the shooting.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum has strongly condemned the blatant and incessant act of violence and called upon the Central government to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
It may be noted that two persons, Atom Somerendro and Yumkhaibam Kiran, both belonging to the Meetei community from Khumbong in Imphal West district, disappeared at Khoken Kuki village in the beginning of violence which started on May 3 last month.
