Gunmen attack volunteer camp in Manipur, one villager killed

NEW DELHI: A villager lost his life and another sustained injuries in an attack on their camp by unidentified gunmen in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded near Kadangband village in the Lamshang area, adjacent to Imphal West district. After the initial attack by unknown gunmen, the village volunteers fought back, leading to a gunfight in which one volunteer was killed, and another was wounded.

The attackers retreated temporarily, regrouped, and launched a second assault. The ongoing gun battle has prompted residents, including women, children, and the elderly from Kadangband and neighboring Koutruk village, to seek refuge in safer areas.

To restore order, additional security personnel have been deployed to the area. The injured individual has been transported to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.

Koutruk and Kadangband villages have been significantly affected by persistent ethnic violence, witnessing multiple armed confrontations between factions of the conflicting communities.

Since May of the previous year, Manipur has been grappling with ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis residing in the adjoining hills, resulting in the loss of more than 180 lives.

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