IMPHAL: A violent attack allegedly carried out by armed miscreants in the Yaingangpokpi and Seijang areas of Imphal East resulted in injuries to at least two village volunteers and seven Meira Paibis, who were reportedly lathi-charged by army and paramilitary forces. All the wounded individuals are currently undergoing medical treatment in various hospitals.
The incident transpired around 3 am on October 12 when armed miscreants from Twichin Kuki Village and Monomphai Village advanced towards a brick-field located between Sabungkhok Khunou and Twichi Kuki village. These miscreants initiated indiscriminate gunfire towards Sabungkhok Khunou, prompting a response from state, central forces, and village volunteers.
The exchange of fire persisted until 9 am, as the armed miscreants continued firing towards the Meitei village. The attack later resumed, lasting until 1 pm and resulting in injuries to two village volunteers.
Simultaneously, a heated argument erupted between army and paramilitary forces and Meira Paibi at Saabungkhok Khunou and Seijang areas of Manipur when the forces reportedly halted an ambulance dispatched to evacuate village volunteers. After some time, the ambulance was permitted to proceed. However, the situation remained tense, leading to a gathering of womenfolk on the road. In an effort to disperse the crowd, the forces initially used smoke bombs and subsequently resorted to lathi-charging, injuring seven individuals who were subsequently admitted to different hospitals.
According to sources, armed miscreants have allegedly been targeting Meitei villages located in the peripheral areas of Lamlai Assembly constituency and Saikul Assembly constituency over the past few days. Despite the ongoing attacks, Meitei families in the state have managed to remain in their homes, although women and children have sought refuge in safer locations during the night due to sporadic firing by armed miscreants.
Armed miscreants have specifically targeted Sabungkhok Khunou, Yaingangpokpi, Shantikhongbal, Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, and other adjacent Meitei villages, intensifying their attacks since early morning on October 12.
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