Manipur: Nepalese couple shot, 15 Kuki houses torched in Kamjong

A Nepalese couple sustained bullet injuries in an ambush by unidentified armed miscreants along National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Sunday, October 18 a day after a Kuki civilian was killed and four others injured in an attack on Chassad village, where at least 15 houses were set on fire, officials said.

The couple, identified as Sandip Dahal, 35, and his wife, Bepanah Dahal, 29, residents of Charhajare in Kangpokpi district, were travelling in a Maruti Suzuki Baleno when the assailants opened fire at around 11.45 am between Mahadev and Guwaltabi villages along the Imphal–Nagaland route via Ukhrul, police said.

The injured were evacuated to a nearby Army hospital, where they received first aid. Both sustained minor bullet injuries below their knees and were discharged after treatment, officials said.

The attack came amid escalating violence in the district. On Saturday afternoon, suspected militants attacked Chassad village, killing Kuki civilian Seikhohao Haokip and injuring four others, including village leaders.

In a separate incident late Saturday night, suspected militants set fire to at least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community in the village, forcing residents to flee and seek shelter in nearby forest areas and an Army camp, officials said.

Police said a joint column of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to bring the situation under control.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence, expressing grief over Haokip’s death and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families.

Describing the burning of houses as an intolerable crime, Kipgen said she had directed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilian lives and property, and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Sunday ordered the transfer of Kamjong Superintendent of Police Tholu Rocky to the Manipur Police Training Centre (MPTC), where he will serve as assistant director.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Law and Order), Imphal West, Jay Barange, an IPS officer, has been appointed SP of Kamjong with immediate effect, according to the government order.