Imphal: The death toll in the October 19 ambush at Sunulok Hill climbed to four on Saturday. Sorokhaibam Ibomcha, a 58-year-old resident of Nongsum Mayai Leikai, died at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital. He suffered bullet wounds during an attack on villagers gathering firewood. Three other men, Arubam Ronil, 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 51, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32, died earlier.
Armed cadres from the Nehlun faction of the Kuki National Front (KNF-N) allegedly carried out the assault. Police arrested three suspects: Heminthang Khongsai, Lungunpao Kipgen, and Seilal Haokip. Investigators claim two of the men admitted to being part of the hit squad. Officials recovered an INSAS rifle, an AK-47, an M16, a sniper rifle, explosives, and improvised rocket launchers following the arrests.
Security forces moved on Sinai Camp, a designated Suspension of Operations site. Officers detained 17 people after their identities failed to match official lists. Authorities also flagged ammunition discrepancies there. "Security operations were also extended to Sinai Camp," officials noted. Another sweep in the Sangaiyupam area of Cherapur involved checking 146 homes and over 300 residents. Police arrested two more people and seized a double-barrel shotgun.
Director General of Police Mukesh Singh led aerial and ground surveillance as the hunt continued. Local authorities urged residents to keep the peace and ignore rumors on social media.
Comments