Imphal/ July 19, 2023 (SPN) | Three houses, one outhouse, and a fertilizer warehouse at Torbung Bazar Mamang Leikai were burnt down by Kuki militants in Torbung at 11.45 PM on Monday.
During the attack, a Head Constable of 133 BN, CRPF G Coy, who was on duty at Torbung Bazar, sustained a bullet injury to his left foot. The injured CRPF personnel has been identified as Shankar Prasad.
This incident follows a similar attack on May 3, where several houses in the same locality were set on fire. As a result of the previous attack, the Meitei people of the village had already abandoned their homes and relocated to safer areas.
The Kuki militants, after firing several rounds of shots, proceeded towards the abandoned village and set fire to the remaining houses that had escaped the arson in May.
The houses destroyed by Kuki Militants in Torbung belonged to Angom Ibungo, Angom Mangi, and Angom Inaocha. Additionally, a fertilizer warehouse belonging to Chingakham Sopen and an outhouse belonging to Angom Mangi were also torched.
Despite the presence of Kumaon Regiment, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and BSF troops stationed nearby, they did not intervene when the Kuki militants opened fire and burned down the houses and other structures. This lack of action has left some villagers frustrated and questioning the response of the security forces.
Meanwhile, this evening witnessed heavy attacks from Kuki militants on Tangjeng Khunjao and Napat villages. Tangjeng Khunjao is located within the Sugnu Assembly Constituency, while Napat falls under the Kumbi Assembly Constituency. These neighboring villages are separated by the Imphal River.
Armed with sophisticated weapons, the Kuki militants initiated firing from the nearby Leisan Tampak, a Kuki village. The gunfire escalated into a full-fledged gun battle as village defense volunteers from Tangjeng Khunjao and Napat retaliated.