Two village volunteers lost their lives and two others sustained injuries during an attack on their camp near Kadangband village in Lamshang area on Tuesday, straddling the Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts, as reported by the police. The victims were identified as N Michael, 33, and M Khaba, 23, according to police sources cited by news agency PTI. The Police Control Room issued a statement that read, "Two individuals were killed in a firing incident between armed miscreants at the bordering area of Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts."


The injured individuals were promptly taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment, officials confirmed, as per PTI's report.


The incident took a grave turn as, following the initial attack on the camp, the village volunteers retaliated, leading to a gunfight. A police officer informed, "After the gun battle began, several women, children, and the elderly from Kadangband and neighbouring Koutruk village fled to safer areas." The attackers, however, regrouped and launched a second assault, the report stated.


To address the escalating situation, additional security personnel have been deployed to the area, with a police officer informing that the gunfight is underway.


Koutruk and Kadangband villages have been deeply affected by ethnic violence, witnessing multiple gun battles between armed groups of the two conflicting communities. The ongoing strife has claimed the lives of over 180 people since erupting in May last year.


ALSO READ | 'Islamic Rule In India By 2047': NIA Files Chargesheet Against 3 In PFI Conspiracy Case


Over 3,000 State Forces Deployed At Peripheral Areas: Manipur CM N Biren Singh


Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, speaking at the flagging-off ceremony of the Imphal Ring Road project on Monday, acknowledged the challenging phase the state is currently navigating. He urged unity among the people to identify the real adversaries, emphasising, "We will never allow them to win or achieve it", as quoted by PTI.


Singh highlighted the significant deployment of state forces, mentioning, "More than 3,000 state forces have been deployed at peripheral areas." He called upon the citizens to refrain from disturbing the peace in Imphal Valley, urging collective efforts to protect Manipur.


The Chief Minister asserted that the state had made considerable progress in the last six years, stressing the need for unity to counter elements threatening the state through activities like drug trade, deforestation, poppy cultivation, and the influx of illegal immigrants.


Subscribe And Follow ABP Live On Telegram: https://t.me/officialabplive