GUWAHATI: Authorities shifted three injured Kuki youth from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Manipur capital Imphal to Churachandpur, even as security forces gunned down a suspected militant in an alleged encounter.
The trio’s admission to RIMS had triggered angry protests outside it for two days. The protestors opposed their admission, claiming that they were militants.
The three were injured during a reported gunfight near Leilon Vaiphei village in the Kangpokpi district on June 15. However, Kuki organisations had claimed that they were victims of a “bomb attack” carried out by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and its “proxy” Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson faction).
According to officials, the three were moved out of RIMS after Tuesday midnight and taken to Churachandpur Medical College under tight security arrangements. Churachandpur is a Kuki-majority district.
Officials said the decision was made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police said that information was received from the Assam Rifles that an encounter took place on Tuesday between a joint column of Assam Rifles-Army and suspected militants.
“During the encounter, one suspected militant was killed. One AK-47 rifle, along with magazines, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items, was recovered from the spot,” Manipur Police said in a social media post.
However, Kukis claimed that the deceased was a civilian.
Condemning the killing, Kuki MLA Letzamang Haokip said that it was deeply disturbing and unacceptable that a civilian had lost his life at the hands of those entrusted with his protection.
“Eyewitnesses have alleged that, after he was shot, his clothes were removed and his lifeless body was taken away by the joint security forces. They further allege that, after his death, attempts were made to portray the incident as a fake encounter,” Haokip said in a statement.
He added that if these allegations were found to be true, it would constitute a grave abuse of authority and a serious violation of the rule of law.
“These allegations are extremely serious and warrant an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation,” he said.
