Imphal, April 22: The Sinakeithei Village Authority in Ukhrul district has alleged continued attacks and security concerns in the Tangkhul Naga village, claiming that armed Kuki militants have been targeting the area and establishing fortified positions near the settlement.
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| A Sinakeithei villager with his bandaged heel after being injured by a bullet during alleged firing by Kuki militants in Ukhrul district, Manipur, according to the village authority. |
In a situation report issued on April 22, the village authority stated that a 30-year-old villager, identified as Chihangam Rungsung, was shot and injured around 4 pm on April 22. According to the report, the bullet pierced through his heel while he was moving within the village, highlighting what the authority described as the growing danger faced by civilians.
The village authority claimed that Sinakeithei has been under sustained armed pressure for more than two months, alleging that armed groups have constructed bunkers, trenches and camps across the Lungter Hill range, which it described as a strategic position overlooking the village. The report further alleged that the armed groups have been carrying out intermittent firing and using explosives, creating fear among residents.
Despite the presence of security forces and regular patrols in the area, the villagers alleged that the situation on the ground remains largely unchanged. The report claimed that villagers have largely maintained a defensive stance to protect their homes and prevent further encroachment, but expressed concern over what they described as insufficient action against the armed groups.
The authority also raised concerns over aerial surveillance by helicopters during violent incidents, stating that residents believe such monitoring has not always been followed by immediate action against the alleged attackers.
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Additionally, villagers claimed that bullets have reached residential areas on multiple occasions, damaging homes and property and posing a direct threat to civilians. The report alleged that portions of the village area have been occupied by armed groups who have established fortified positions.
The Sinakeithei Village Authority urged authorities to take decisive steps to address the situation, stating that continued firing, construction of bunkers and encroachment into village land have heightened fear and insecurity among residents.
