Kuki woman killed in Manipur gunfight as shutdown called in Kangpokpi
A Kuki organisation has called a 48-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district following the death of a woman during a suspected militant gunfight.
A Kuki woman was shot dead and two men were injured during a gunfight between suspected rival militant groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Thursday, according to Mathrubhumi. The incident occurred around 11 am near Taphou Kuki village, located near the border of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
The deceased has been identified by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) as 41-year-old Kimneineng Chongloi. Two men, S David Chongloi, 34, and Lamkhochon Chongloi, 46, sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Kangpokpi district, Mathrubhumi reported.
Following the incident, COTU called for a 48-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district, though educational, medical and emergency services will be exempted. The organisation demanded that the government withdraw all security forces from the district, alleging they have failed to ensure civilian safety.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killing as a "heinous act of violence" and called for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation. Police stated that additional forces, including the CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles, have been deployed to the area to conduct search operations.
The violence comes amid COTU protests regarding the recent abduction and killing of two Kuki-Zo civilians from Taphou Kuki village. Manipur Police ADGP (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said on Tuesday that a proposal to transfer the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is at an advanced stage.