In a shocking incident that has triggered widespread condemnation across the state, three civilians were killed and four others sustained injuries after unidentified armed assailants allegedly ambushed a group of church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday morning.
According to reports, the victims were travelling in two vehicles from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi after attending a church-related meeting when armed miscreants suddenly opened fire on the convoy along the route. The attack reportedly took place in a vulnerable stretch between Kotzim and Kotlen, causing panic among the occupants of the vehicles and nearby residents.
Sources said the armed assailants launched indiscriminate firing on the vehicles carrying the church leaders and accompanying civilians. In the attack, three innocent civilians lost their lives while four others sustained serious injuries. The injured victims were immediately evacuated and rushed to Shija Hospitals & Research Institute for advanced medical treatment.
Following the tragic incident, senior leaders of the Government of Manipur rushed to the hospital to meet the injured victims and assess the situation. The delegation was led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh and included Losii Dikho, Govindas Konthoujam, along with MLAs Janghemlung Panmei, Khashim Vashum, Ramnganing Muivah, Dinganglung Gangmei, Awangbow Newmai and Leishiyo Keishing, besides other concerned officials of the state administration.
During the visit, the Chief Minister and accompanying leaders interacted with the injured victims and their family members and enquired about their well-being. They also reviewed the treatment being provided by doctors and medical staff at the hospital. The Chief Minister instructed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and assured that the state government would extend all necessary assistance to the victims and the bereaved families.
Condemning the attack in strong terms, the Chief Minister described the incident as a “dastardly terror act” carried out against innocent civilians. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and stated that such acts of violence aimed at disrupting peace and harmony would not be tolerated. He further directed the concerned authorities and security agencies to intensify operations and take stringent action against those responsible for the ambush.
The incident has sparked outrage and fear among residents of the hill districts, with civil society organisations, church bodies and community leaders strongly condemning the attack. Several groups have demanded immediate identification and arrest of the perpetrators and urged the authorities to strengthen security measures in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, security forces have reportedly intensified vigil and launched combing operations in and around the affected areas of Kangpokpi district to prevent further violence and track down the armed miscreants involved in the attack. Authorities are closely monitoring the law and order situation as tension continues to prevail in parts of the district.
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