7 villagers massacred; NSCN(IM), KRA behind attack: KNF (MC)

IMPHAL, April 14: Suspected NSCN(IM) and KRA, cadres struck at Keithelmanbi and Phoibung village on the night of April 12, killing seven villagers and injuring seven others. The two villages come under Kangpokpi police station and reports said the gunmen struck at precisely 11.45 pm. Police and villagers said the gunmen numbering around 70/80 came from Kalapahar side and started cordoning off Keithelmanbi from 10 pm. The attackers then called out all the male members of the village and took them to Phoibung village. Six were separated from the others and mowed down. Eight others were shot when they ran out from their houses on hearing the gunfire. The six persons were killed on the spot. They are identified as Lalthonglen Lhouvum (18), Seikhohao (16), Letkhogin Singsit (20), Songneikhup Lhouvum (23) Henkholam Singsit (30) and Paohem Kipgen. The first five are all from Keithelmanbi while Paohem is from Molnom. The bodies were handed over to family members after post mortem at Kangpokpi yesterday. Of the eight injured one succumbed to his injuries at RIMS hospital yesterday at 8 pm. He is identified as Seithang Chongloi alias Thangboi. He sustained bullet injuries on the right side of the abdomen, right thigh and hands. Post mortem was conducted today and the body has been handed over to family members, said hospital sources. Five of the injured are currently undergoing treatment at Kangpokpi Community Health Centre while another two have been admitted to RIMS hospital. The two are identified as Seilen Singsit (22) and Hemin Khongsai (19). Seilen Singsit is in a critical condition as he was shot in the groin and both hands. Hemin Khongsai received bullet injuries on the buttocks and right thigh. Talking to this reporter yesterday morning at RIMS, before he expired, Seithang said that five of them were chatting inside a house with one Seijahao Misao (60). While they were chatting one of them suddenly ran away from the house. Seithang further said that he also went out to investigate the matter but was met by a volley of bullets from the gunmen. Two others from the house, Paogou and Heikho Singsit were abducted by the gunmen, he recalled. Following the massacre of the seven persons security forces have rushed to Keithelmanbi and a massive search operation was conducted. However there is no report of any arrest till late, police said. The Kuki National Front (MC) said the attack was carried out by NSCN(IM) and KRA. In a statement the outfit said 17 villagers were caught and fired upon. The KNF (MC) also said it picked up four NSCN(IM) cadres on April 1 and one KRA cadre on April 5, but they were released in response to appeals by public leaders. Stating that the KNF (MC) upholds Hemkham (traditional ceasefire), the outfit appealed to the people to be vigilant and extend help in maintaining peace and harmony.