Imphal, 27 September (HS): The death toll in Saturday’s firing incident involving suspected militants in Manipur’s Senapati district climbed to three on Sunday after one of the two injured civilians died during treatment, officials said.

The deceased, identified as 49-year-old Ashiho Sani, succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital at around 3 am. His body was later shifted to Senapati District Hospital for post-mortem examination, officials said.

Two Naga civilians, identified as Rocky of Chaowainamai village and Kumar of Laii Shirafii village, were killed in the firing at Kalenjang village on Saturday afternoon. Another injured civilian, 33-year-old Adani Manio, remains under treatment.

Police and security personnel reached the area after the incident and initiated an investigation. Reports have alleged the involvement of armed Kuki groups, but the allegation has not been independently verified.

The incident occurred shortly before the United Naga Council (UNC) announced the suspension of its four-month-old economic blockade along Manipur’s national highways.

The latest killings came two days after four Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in a separate attack at Pilong village in Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border. At least 13 people have reportedly been killed in separate gun attacks in Manipur during September, with incidents reported from Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Noney and Kamjong districts.

Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh condemned the killings and, in a social post, called for those responsible to be held accountable. He also claimed that more than 60 people had been killed in the state this year.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash