Manipur: CoTU questions security lapse after woman killed, two injured in Kangpokpi firing

A 42-year-old woman was killed and two men were critically injured after armed assailants allegedly opened fire on farmers harvesting paddy under security protection at Taphou Kuki village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Thursday, November 12.

The incident has triggered fresh outrage in the area, which has already been witnessing heightened tensions following the abduction and subsequent killing of two youths from the same village.

The deceased was identified as Kimneineng Chongloi (42), wife of Thanggou Chongloi. The injured were identified as Sehkhongam David Chongloi (34), son of late Thangmang Chongloi, and Lamkhochon Chongloi (46), son of late Semthang Chongloi. All three were residents of Taphou Kuki village.

According to villagers, the Senapati Superintendent of Police had arranged security cover to facilitate the safe harvesting of paddy. The deployment comprised three sections of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel from the 112, 142 and 152 Battalions, one section of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from the 149 Battalion, and a team of Senapati Police.

Following the security arrangements, villagers went to harvest paddy in their fields along the Taphou Kuki-Kailenjang road, near Oiname Taphou Liangmei village.

However, at around 10.30 am, armed assailants allegedly opened fire on the farmers using sophisticated weapons from the Oiname Liangmei Taphou area, despite the presence of security personnel.

The two injured men were initially taken to the District Hospital in Kangpokpi, where they received first aid before being referred to a higher medical facility for further treatment.

The woman's body was recovered after additional security forces were deployed in the area. It was initially brought to the residence of the village chief before being transported to Kangpokpi.

Villagers also alleged that surviving farmers who returned to retrieve their belongings came under another round of firing from the same area, even after additional security personnel had reached the spot. The incident has raised fresh concerns over civilian safety and the effectiveness of the security arrangements.

CoTU Condemns Attack, Warns of Further Action

Reacting to the incident, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) condemned the attack, stating that it had taken place even before the families of Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi, both from Taphou Kuki village, could recover from the killings of the two youths.

The Committee said the latest attack had devastated another family and left two more villagers fighting for survival.

CoTU said public anger had already been mounting over the unresolved circumstances surrounding the abduction and subsequent killings of the two youths. It alleged that the latest incident highlighted the consequences of what it described as the governments' indifference and selective response to the security concerns of the Kuki-Zo community.

The Committee also questioned how armed militants could allegedly carry out an attack despite the deployment of security personnel from the CRPF's 112, 142 and 152 Battalions in the area.

Reiterating its position on the Charter of Demands submitted to the governments, CoTU said the demands were not merely a list of grievances, political rhetoric or an exercise in issuing ultimatums. Instead, it described the charter as an urgent roadmap to prevent further violence, address security failures and protect civilians.

With the seven-day deadline issued to the governments nearing its conclusion, the Committee warned that it would review its decision and determine its next course of action if tangible and satisfactory steps were not taken.

"There should be no ambiguity: the Governments have been repeatedly warned, our demands have been clearly communicated, and the consequences of selective response have now become painfully evident," the Committee said.

CoTU held the governments responsible for any further consequences arising from what it termed their failure to ensure civilian security and deliver justice.

The Committee also expressed condolences to the bereaved family, wished the two injured villagers a speedy recovery and reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Taphou Kuki.