IMPHAL: Three people were reported to have been shot dead by ‘armed militants’ in Bishnupur district of Manipur on Sunday, police said. The incident is reported to have happened at Kumbi town of Bishnupur in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
Three persons belonging to the Meitei community were killed by gunfire unleashed by alleged Kuki militants. According to available information, heavy firing towards valley areas was reported since Saturday midnight from the nearby hills at Laingoubi, Chandolpokpi and Soukom areas.
The gunfire is said to have come from entrenched rebel positions in the surrounding hills. Kuki rebels are reportedly continuing to construct ‘bunkers’ for both offensive and defensive activities. They are also said to be heavily armed with home- made as well as sophisticated and automatic weapons.
Following the recent incidents of firing and deaths, people of the area appealed to the central forces to help them as the firing from the Kuki dominated hill areas had been continuing ever since violence broke out on May 3.
The death toll continues to climb despite the best efforts of the security forces to provide security to the people in foothill and valley areas.
Reportedly, around 50,000 people living in the foothills and other affected valley as well as hill areas have been displaced and have been provided shelter in relief camps in the state and the neighbouring NE states. According to local residents, many of the people guarding the villages have been killed and there are repeated firing from the hills using sophisticated weapons, sniper guns and mortar, which make return fire by the villagers impossible as they do not possess such weapons.
There have also been reports by the villagers that the miscreants killed some cattle and also took others away. Valley residents treat cows and other animals with love and care and killing them is not allowed according to their traditional beliefs and religion.
With people fleeing the area, leaving behind their houses and possessions, volunteers are now guard these vacated villages as there is fear the houses will be burnt down. Since the beginning of the present cycle of violence, more than 3000 houses were burnt down, including places of worship.
In a statement on Sunday, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey condemned the attacks on farmers. The curfew imposed in most parts of the state was still on, except for relaxation of a few hours. Internet services have been suspended since May 3, when the trouble erupted in Churachandpur district.
