IMPHAL, July 2 (IANS) At least three village defense force volunteers were shot dead and five others were shot dead in Khoguma Tapi village in Manipur’s Bishnupur district when militants attacked the village in the early hours of Sunday, officials said.
Media reports in Imphal claimed that seven people were killed in the early morning shooting, and that a shootout took place between DFSF volunteers and extremists.
However, officials in Imphal neither denied nor confirmed the media reports.
Officials in Imphal said that RDF volunteers, who were guarding the village due to ongoing ethnic violence between the Mitte and Koki communities, died in the attack while they were sleeping after guarding the village at night.
The gunmen pulled the arms of the FDF before leaving the scene.
At least five villagers were wounded in the attack and taken to nearby hospitals.
Securitymen rushed to the areas and launched a combing operation to arrest the militants.
The villagers plan to take the dead bodies to the capital, Imphal, to demand justice.
Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, went to Khoguma Tapi village in Bishnupur district along Churachandpur district.
Manipur Governor Anusuya Oyeke on Saturday urged people of all communities to help the government and security forces restore peace and normalcy.
“I appeal from the bottom of my heart to all of you, especially mothers and sisters, to stop obstructing the security forces on the roads while they are carrying out their responsibilities for the safety of the people,” the governor said in a message.
– Jans
sc/uk
