In a crossfire between security forces and unknown armed miscreants this afternoon at the fringe of Phubala village, one ‘collateral victim’ was hit by a stray bullet. The victim has been identified as Mrs. Hoikholhing, an elderly woman and wife of the village chief of Langchingmanbi.
The incident occurred after security forces in Manipur came under heavy fire during a search operation carried out in and around Langchingmanbi, Heichanglok, and the western areas of Phubala village. The forces later retaliated. The operation was launched after a group of armed Kuki miscreants fired upon Meiteis working in a paddy field at Phubala in Bishnupur district, in which one elderly farmer was hit by a bullet in his left arm and later rushed to the hospital.
Local police have responded to the incident, and the deceased is being transported to the District Hospital in Churachandpur for necessary legal formalities. Cases have been registered in connection with the incidents, and an investigation is underway.
Combined security forces are continuing search operations to apprehend the culprit(s). Every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice at the earliest. Additionally, security arrangements related to farming activities in the area will be reviewed. Adequate security shall be provided to ensure the safety of farmers in the fields and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The public is requested to maintain peace and avoid circulating unverified information. Further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses.
