Three persons were injured in reported gunfire at Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district on June 15, as security forces monitored the situation amid renewed Kuki-Naga tensions.
Imphal, June 15: Three Kuki persons were injured in a gunfight near Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on Monday, triggering protests and clashes between demonstrators and security personnel outside the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
The injured have been identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18), Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20) and Paogoulal Chongloi (18), all residents of Leilon Vaiphei village. According to reports, they sustained bullet and shell injuries during an exchange of fire between Kuki militants and unidentified armed miscreants in the early hours of the day.
Genlenmang Vaiphei reportedly suffered a bullet injury to the shoulder that pierced through his chest, while Paogoulal Chongloi sustained gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest and abdomen. Lunliandaw Vaiphei was injured by a lethod shell on his thigh and also sustained a bullet wound on his right wrist.
Following the incident, State and Central security forces rushed to the area, launched search operations in nearby locations and evacuated the injured to the military hospital at Leimakhong. After receiving initial treatment, they were shifted to RIMS in Imphal under tight security arrangements for further medical care.
News of the injured militants being admitted to RIMS quickly spread, prompting a large number of people from different areas to gather at the hospital premises. Security was strengthened around the hospital, with personnel from Imphal West District Police and Central forces deployed at the main gate and emergency ward.
Despite police efforts to restrict entry, a large crowd assembled near the emergency ward and demanded that the three injured militants be handed over. Protesters raised slogans and attempted to move towards the treatment area, leading to confrontations with security personnel.
As tensions escalated, the crowd gathered at the hospital's main gate pushed towards the emergency ward and clashed with security forces. Around 3 pm, security personnel fired smoke bombs and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
some protesters responded by pelting stones and using slingshots against security personnel. Additional tear gas shells were fired to bring the situation under control. Several protesters reportedly sustained minor injuries during the dispersal operations.
The latest violence comes amid a series of confrontations between Kuki and Naga groups in the hill districts over the past month.
Tensions escalated sharply on May 13 when six Naga villagers were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei areawhile travelling near the Kangpokpi-Tamenglong border region. The incident triggered widespread concern across Naga civil society organisations and prompted interventions from security agencies and the Manipur High Court. While some of them were released, six Naga villagers including two pastors were found dead with their bodies mutilated day after 14 Kuki civilians were released by Naga.
The abduction case led to renewed accusations and counter-accusations between community organisations, with both sides demanding stronger security measures in mixed-population areas.
Over the past month, reports of armed movement, village defence mobilisation, and sporadic firing incidents have surfaced from areas where Kuki and Naga villages are located in close proximity, particularly along parts of Kangpokpi district bordering Naga-inhabited regions. Community organisations from both sides have repeatedly appealed for restraint while accusing rival groups of provocation.
Security forces have increased surveillance in sensitive locations to prevent further escalation. Officials said efforts were underway to verify the circumstances surrounding Monday's firing incident and establish the sequence of events.
No official statement had been issued by district authorities regarding the cause of the gunfire or the identity of those responsible as of Monday evening.
Residents in the area have urged authorities to take immediate steps to prevent retaliatory violence and ensure the safety of civilians living in vulnerable border villages.
This is a developing story and more details are expected.
