A Policeman 'shot dead' in line of duty when armed militants attack villages in Kangpokpi

A policeman was shot dead while on duty in the Leimakhong area yesterday when armed miscreants attacked villages belonging to the Kuki community in the Leimakhong area in Kangpokpi district.

Allegedly heavily armed miscreants suspected to be Meitei militants attacked L.Tangnaum, formerly Haraothel, L. Munlai, and Bethel village on Thursday early morning.

The armed rioters attacked L. Tangnaum and L. Munlai villages on Thursday early morning from 5:48 am and reportedly wounded two village volunteers during their attack at L. Tangnaum village while there was no report of any casualties at L. Munlai village.

In the afternoon at around 4:30 pm, the armed miscreants reportedly launched another attack at Bethel village and killed the policeman while on duty.

The "martyr" policeman has been identified as Lenglam Dimngel from Kangpokpi District Police.

The dead body of Head Constable Lenglam Dimngel was brought to SP Office Kangpokpi at around midnight yesterday.

The Martyr's colleagues led by Inspector H. Kipgen, Officer-in-Charge of Kangpokpi Police Station offered their last homage and respect with a gun salute at the station before his dead body was brought to SP Office Kangpokpi.

At the SP Office Kangpokpi, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kuki Inpi Saikul, Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization, Kangpokpi Youth Union, and various other CSOs leaders from the district also joined the SP Kangpokpi and other security forces in paying the last respect and homage to the "Martyr".

As a custom and tradition, the Kuki civil society organizations led by the Kuki Inpi Manipur wrapped a traditional shawl, "Saipikhup" over the mortal remains of the Martyr as a mark of tribute and adieu.

SP Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar, IPS while paying homage to the Martyr policeman, said that the committed and sincere head constable died in the line of duty and we are very sorry to the Martyr policeman's family for their loss.

He also said that it is also a great loss for the Kangpokpi District police and the entire police department.

While sharing the pain and grief of the Martyr's family, the Kangpokpi police chief also said that I am also deeply in pain and have no words to thank you for your supreme sacrifice.

"He is Shaheed, He is a Martyr", the district police chief added.

"Thank you for your service, Brother. Rest in Peace", said the SP as he saluted the Martyr before bidding adieu and paying full guard of honor and tribute.

The District Police Chief along with other security forces officials also wrapped the tricolor over the mortal remains of the Martyr as a mark of honor and respect.

The other security forces officials along with the police personnel also paid full guard of honor and tribute to the Martyr.

Rev. K. Hangshing, Chairman of Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship prayed for the Martyr and his family while observing a minute of silence as a mark of condolence and tribute.

Later, the dead body of the Martyr was taken to his native village Ichaigojang in an ambulance accompanied by his wife and relatives for his burial ceremony today where the grand burial ceremony will be held under the aegis of the Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai.