Four civilians were killed after unidentified armed persons allegedly entered Pilong village near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur’s Kamjong district and opened fire on villagers on Thursday afternoon.
Police said the attackers may have been linked to a group from Myanmar, which had been known to set up its operations in the country, and were armed with high-tech guns. It occurred in the area of Pilong, approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Chassad Police Station, officials said.
The 4 civilians have been identified as Phami Jajo (43), Ningthem Kashak (35), Betterson Jajo (50) and Vareshim Jajo (67). The bodies were immediately transferred to the headquarters in Kamjong, where the post-mortem will be carried out.
Police have begun an investigation to determine how and why the killings happened and are trying to find out who is responsible. The attackers’ identity is still under investigation and a suspected connection with a Myanmar-based rebel group is also being investigated.
A suo motu case has been registered in this regard by the police. The case is also under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Arms Act.
The firing has led to new border security issues in some parts of Manipur, especially those near Myanmar. Security and law enforcement officials are working to figure out the events of what happened and what individual or groups are responsible for the suspected attacks.
There are no arrests so far for the killings. The investigation is ongoing, and police are reviewing evidence and interviewing individuals who might have information regarding the incident.