Kuki militants pin down mother-child with relentless firing, safely rescued later

OSR/Mungchan Zimik
IMPHAL, Mar 22 : Kuki militants continued their violent campaign against civilians by attacking a group of farmers from Sinakeithei (Sanakeithel) village yesterday.
During the attack, a woman identified as Sorin Phungshok and her son, Chichumi Phungshok, were trapped in their field near Ihang River when the Kuki militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire on the villagers.
The attack occurred while the villagers were collecting vegetables from their fields.
What is particularly concerning is that a group of Kuki women from Leplen village attempted to block personnel of the 4 Mahar Regiment from entering the attack site to rescue the civilians.
A heated argument ensued between the security forces and members of Leplen village authority, following which the trapped individuals were rescued.
The villagers of Sinakeithel viewed the actions of Leplen village residents as inhumane, as their attempts could have cost the lives of innocent civilians.
It is reported that Sorin Phungshok and her son sought shelter along the riverbank, escaping the gunfire, and were eventually rescued in the evening by the 4 Mahar Regiment personnel using a Casspir bulletproof vehicle.
According to sources, the attack took place around 1.30 pm, when the villagers were in their fields.
After the attack, most of the villagers fled toward Sinakeithei village.
However, Sorin and Chichumi were unable to escape in time and were forced to take shelter on the riverbank for nearly four hours before their rescue.
Sources also indicated that, in response to the Kuki militants' assault, volunteers of Tangkhul Naga villages retaliated by firing at the Kuki militants who were attempting to advance toward Sinakeithei.
According to the villagers of Sinakeithei, three long-range bullets were also fired by Kuki militants towards them at around 3.14 pm.
The gunfight continued till 5.30 pm, but there were no reports of injuries on either side during the confrontation.
At around 12.20 am today, Kuki militants launched another attack on Sinakeithei village. Using sophisticated weapons, they engaged in a firefight with the villagers, which lasted till 1.30 am.
There were no reported injuries during the second round of fighting as well.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO) has conveyed its gratitude to the Commanding Officer and all ranks of 4 Mahar Regiment for rescuing the civilians from life threatening circumstances.