Imphal: On the eve of India’s Independence Day, suspected Kuki militants ambushed and killed a Naga farmer and injured three others at Langka Naga village along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road on Friday morning.
Reports indicate that around 40 armed militants launched the attack using sophisticated weapons at around 7:30 am while villagers were heading out for agricultural work.
Wiriliangbou Chawang, 34, died on the spot after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Kawidinang Abonmai, 55, Maliangjinang Abonmai, 52, and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 50, sustained bullet injuries.
Additional security forces rushed to the area following the incident. Security agencies have launched extensive search operations and area-domination exercises across fringe areas in various districts to prevent further escalation.
The attack has triggered fresh concern among local residents. Langka village has previously witnessed armed clashes.
A June attack involved an exchange of fire, the burning of farmhouses and the killing of livestock by suspected militants.
The Langka Naga village authority had previously reported a June 13 attack by suspected KNF(P) militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
Villagers strongly condemned the latest violence, alleging that non-SoO elements and proxy groups continue to operate from nearby camps in the area.