Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUN 15: A fresh armed confrontation between Naga and Kuki armed groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday left at least three persons injured, triggering tensions and protests at the RIMS in Imphal.
According to reports, the clash erupted early morning in a forested area between Leilon (Vaiphei) village and Konsakhul village under Leimakhong police station. The two villages have remained tense following the abduction of 18 Liangmai Naga villagers on May 13 and the subsequent recovery of the mutilated bodies of six of them. Sources said the gunfight began when armed men allegedly opened fire on farmers from Konsakhul village on their way to paddy fields near Leilon. The farmers escaped unharmed, while village guards reportedly engaged in an exchange of fire with the attackers.
The firing, which started around 6 a.m., lasted for about 30 minutes before CRPF personnel intervened.
Security forces later evacuated three injured persons identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18), Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20), and Paogou Lal (18), all of whom sustained bullet injuries. They were initially taken to a military hospital at Leimakhong and later shifted to RIMS hospital.
The admission of the injured persons sparked protests at the hospital, with demonstrators opposing their treatment and alleging they were linked to militant groups. As tensions escalated, security personnel closed the hospital’s main gate and deployed additional forces. Protesters attempted to stage demonstrations, prompting security personnel to use tear gas shells and resort to a baton charge to disperse the crowd.
Several protesters reportedly sustained minor injuries during the confrontation. Hospital services were also affected for several hours due to heightened security measures. Leaders of Naga civil society organisations and student bodies, including the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), joined the protest and questioned the role of security forces in escorting the injured persons to the hospital. They also raised concerns over the handling of recent incidents involving the killing of six Naga civilians.