The Village Authority of Mongkot Chepu condemned the repeated attacks on civilians allegedly perpetrated by Tangkhul militants, emphasizing their complete disregard for human life. A press release revealed that on March 19, an unprovoked assault with automatic weapons targeted the village, damaging several homes and instilling fear among residents. Further escalation occurred with militants opening fire on villagers working on farms, leading to injuries to two individuals: Lhingneinem Lhangum, aged 19, and Seigoulun Khongsai, aged 18, both of whom sustained significant gunshot wounds. Stray bullets also struck a school building within the village, fortunately after hours, sparing students from potential disaster.
Alongside these alarming incidents, the authority highlighted concerns over militant bunkers along the Thoubal River, which are perilously close to the village and a nearby highway, posing a continuous threat to public safety. Despite previous appeals from Kuki Civil Society Organizations and the village authorities, no action has been taken by governmental bodies to address these risks. Fresh gunfire was reported from these bunkers at approximately 8:45 PM, further elevating tensions in the community. The village authority is urging security forces to act swiftly to dismantle the militant bunkers and protect civilian lives, warning of communal self-defense measures should these attacks persist. They appeal for immediate intervention to prevent further losses among innocent civilians.
