IMPHAL: In a fresh incidence of gunfight in Joupi, a village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, a 21-year-old village volunteer lost his life on Saturday.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 am when a group of unidentified, armed men attacked Joupi, a tranquil Kuki-Zo village.
The armed assailants targeted one of the bunkers, where the deceased, identified as Khupminthang Haokip, was standing guard.
Khupminthang, the son of the late Janglal Haokip from Phaikholum village, succumbed to the onslaught during the 45-minute-long gunfight.
Following the incident, tensions escalated in Joupi and its neighboring areas in Kangpokpi and Bishnupur districts.
Responding to the situation, additional security forces were deployed in the region, and combing operations were initiated to trace the perpetrators responsible for the attack.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has strongly condemned the assault, praising the villagers for their courageous resistance against the attackers.
The ITLF also expressed concern, stating that the attackers were regrouping in significant numbers near Ngarian in Bishnupur district, hinting at a potential escalation of hostilities in the area.
In an emotional obituary, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) paid tribute to Khupminthang, describing him as a brave son and warrior.
Meanwhile, three Kuki-Zo MLAs in the state have been “replaced” as chairpersons of Assembly committees.
The Assembly secretariat issued separate notifications on the fresh appointments but did not cite any reasons why the trio was replaced. Rule 198 (2) of the Assembly says, “If the chairman is for any reason unable to act, the Speaker may appoint another chairman in his place.”
Two of the legislators replaced are former director general of police-turned-politician LM Khaute and Vungzagin Valte, both from ruling BJP, while the third – Haokholet Kipgen – is an independent legislator.
