Gunfight continues at Ukhrul, at least 3 hurt at Litan, Mongkot Chephu

OSR/Our Correspondent
IMPHAL/Ukl, Mar 24: At least three persons have been injured in a gunfight early this morning at Mongkot Chepu and Sharkaphung village area, under Litan police station, Ukhrul district.
The three injured include two Tangkhul civilians, Rinyui Ramror (41) and Reichan Lungleng (24), both from Sharkhapung village, and one Kuki individual identified as Jonny Khongsai of Mongkot Chepu.
At least 5 persons have been hurt in gunfights since yesterday. Two individuals, including a girl belonging to the Kuki community, were reportedly hurt yesterday.
Sources said the gunfight between Kuki militants and Tangkhul village volunteers broke out despite the presence of a large number of State and Central security forces in identified vulnerable areas of Litan.
Litan in Ukhrul district has seen sporadic violence since February 8, a day after a Tangkhul man was physically assaulted by members of Kuki community. Several dozens of houses belonging to both communities have been burnt in the ensuing conflict since.
After a lull for some time, fresh gunfight erupted in Litan yesterday, injuring at least two persons belonging to the Kuki community.
A firing incident involving Kuki militants was also reported at Chassad in Kamjong district last night.
Highly reliable sources said Kuki militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, attacked the Sharkhapung village from Mongkot Chepu this morning at around 7.
While the militants fired bullets and bombs toward the village, Tangkhul village volunteers retaliated by firing toward Mongkot Chepu village, said the sources.
The two Tangkhul civilians, Rinyui Ramror and Reichan Lungleng were preparing their meal when they were hit by bullets, said family members.
Reichan Lungleng was hit by a bullet on his left foot and Rinyui Ramror was hit by a bullet on his left thigh.
The two injured were evacuated by the police to District Hospital, Ukhrul.
Medical Superintendent of District Hospital, Reisangmi Raikhan said the two are being given proper medical treatment, and both are in stable condition and out of danger.
Kuki militants have erected bunkers at the higher reaches of Mongkot Chepu directly facing Sharkhapung village. They use these bunkers to target and fire upon Sharkhapung villagers, said locals.
The villagers of Sharkaphung are living under constant fear of being attacked by Kuki militants. Frequent and rampant firing by Kuki militants have damaged most of the houses of the village.
The village school has been shut and all agricultural activities have been halted. "The frequent attacks by Kuki militants have caused fear psychosis. People are not feeling safe in the village," said the locals.
Meanwhile, the other injured person belonging to the Kuki community identified as Jonny Khongsai is undergoing treatment at Saikul community Health Centre, said sources.
The gunfight lasted till 2 pm.
The situation remains tense at Litan and surrounding areas.
A late report from the police said a bulk of the bunkers on both sides have been dismantled and rendered ineffective and area domination exercises were being carried out in the sensitive areas.