A fresh wave of violence struck Koutruk in Imphal West District on Sunday, leaving one dead and four others injured, including a minor. The conflict erupted around 2 pm when a group of armed assailants initiated unprovoked firing in the area. The Koutruk Village Gram Panchayat Chairman reported that the attack occurred while village volunteers were absent from the vulnerable spots.
The sole fatality, Surbala Devi, 33, originally from Koutruk and residing in Phayeng Umang Leikai, was in Koutruk visiting her native village with her daughter. Despite being rushed to RIMS Hospital in Imphal, Surbala was declared dead on arrival. Her 13-year-old daughter, Ng Rojiya, sustained injuries to her right hand and is under treatment at the same hospital.
Additionally, police personnel Ngasepam Robert suffered leg injuries, while two other individuals, Inao Takhellambam, 26, and Thadoi Heigrujam, 19, were transported to Raj Medicity Hospital for further medical attention.
In a related incident, authorities had earlier seized a cache of weapons from Chajing Mamang Leikai on Saturday. The recovered arms included a .303 rifle with a magazine, a single-barrel gun, a pistol with a magazine, five live ammunition rounds, and two grenades.
This sudden surge in violence highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect the residents of vulnerable areas. The local authorities are urged to expedite investigations and take concrete steps to prevent further incidents.
