In a tragic incident, three Village Defence Force (VDF) volunteers were killed and five others sustained gunshot wounds in an attack by militants at Khujuma Tabi village in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.
The assault took place in the early hours of Sunday, targeting the village where the volunteers were stationed to provide security amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
According to officials in Imphal, the VDF volunteers, who had been guarding the village overnight, were asleep when the militants launched their assault, resulting in the volunteers losing their lives on the spot.
Several villagers were also injured in the attack and have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In response to the incident, security personnel have swiftly mobilized to the affected areas and initiated a combing operation to apprehend the militants responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, the grief-stricken villagers are making preparations to bring the bodies of the deceased to the capital city of Imphal, where they intend to demand justice for the victims.
Expressing concern over the prevailing situation, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey made an appeal to all communities to collaborate with the government and security forces in restoring peace and normalcy.
She urged the public, particularly mothers and sisters, to refrain from obstructing the security forces’ efforts on the roads, emphasizing their role in ensuring the safety of the people.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced in the region and highlights the need for concerted efforts to address the underlying issues contributing to the ethnic tensions in Manipur.
The authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore calm in the affected areas. (Edited)
