Guwahati
As many as nine people, including a woman, were killed and 10 injured when suspected militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, attacked Aigijang village in the Khamenlok area of strife-torn Manipur around 10.30 am on Tuesday.
The militants surrounded the villagers of the Khamelok area bordering Imphal East district and Kangpoki district and launched the attack. Reports said some of those killed in the violence have cut marks on their bodies and multiple bullet injuries. The injured have been admitted to Imphal hospital.
Aigijang, reports maintained, is a Kuki village but those killed were non-resident Meiteis who were local volunteers
The attack shows that the deployment of heavy security in the State has failed to act as a deterrent for the militants who have even been targeting the personnel.
The incident, coming just a few days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the State, also comes as a major setback to efforts to restore peace in Manipur. The relaxation of the curfew has been restricted after last night’s incident.
Earlier, as many as 12 people were injured in a gunfight in Khamenlok area in an exchange of fire between militants and village volunteers. The Manipur government has extended its ban on internet services till June 15.
The Congress attacked the Centre over the situation in Manipur, saying Home Minister Amit Shah’s “belated” visit and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s “outsourced interventions” haven’t had a significant impact as the agony of the people of the state continues unabated
