Imphal, 19 October (HS): A Nepalese couple sustained bullet injuries in an ambush by unidentified armed men along National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Sunday, amid escalating violence that has left one Kuki civilian dead, four others injured and at least 15 houses burnt in separate incidents.

The victims, identified as Sandip Dahal, 35 and his wife, Bepanah Dahal, 29, hail from Charhajare in Kangpokpi district. They were travelling in a Maruti Suzuki Baleno when armed assailants opened fire at around 11.45 am between Mahadev and Guwaltabi villages on the Imphal–Nagaland route via Ukhrul, police said.

The injured couple was taken to a nearby Army hospital, where they received first aid and treatment. Both sustained minor bullet injuries below their knees and were subsequently discharged, officials said.

The shooting came a day after suspected militants attacked Chassad village in Kamjong district on Saturday afternoon, killing Kuki civilian Seikhohao Haokip and injuring four others, including village leaders.

In a separate incident late Saturday night, at least 15 houses belonging to members of the Kuki community were set ablaze in the village. The attack forced residents to flee their homes and take shelter in nearby forest areas and an Army camp, officials said.

A joint security team comprising the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Kamjong Police has been deployed in the affected area to contain the situation.

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence and expressed grief over Haokip’s death. She also voiced concern over the injured village leaders and families displaced by the arson.

Terming the burning of houses an intolerable crime, Kipgen said she had directed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, safeguard civilian lives and property, and ensure that those involved in the attacks were brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Sunday ordered the transfer of Kamjong Superintendent of Police Tholu Rocky to the Manipur Police Training Centre (MPTC), where he will serve as assistant director.

Jay Barange, an IPS officer serving as Additional Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) in Imphal West, has been appointed the new SP of Kamjong with immediate effect, according to the government order.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash