An encounter between a combined team of Security Forces, consisting of the State Police, Police Commando and the Assam Rifles and the Kuki Independent Army (KIA), a non- Suspension of Operation (SoO) group/militants erupted today at around 2:30 pm near Songphu and Kolchung villages under Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur district.
As per sources, One US Carbine and three SBBL guns were recovered by the Security Forces, and that the US Carbine was one of the Kuki National Front (Zougam)'s arm taken away by the KIA militants last week at Chongkhozou designated camp, sources further said.
One person, a civilian, identified as Lhunpao of Kolchung Village was injured by stray bullets on his left knee. Henglep Ambulance has been dispatched for carrying the injured persons, sources said.
It may also be stated that the Commander-in-chief of Kuki Independent Army/ Kuki Independent Organisation ( KIA/KIO) namely Davidson Haokip was declared as wanted by the Police earlier with a reward of Rs 50,000. Davidson was also responsible in snatching 21 weapons from the SoO groups designated camps namely Horeb, near Chongkhojou village on the 9th April 2022 .The camp belongs to the KNF-Z, UTLA and USRA.
Songphu village is located about 80 kms from Churachandpur town proper. Sources went on to say that another three villagers, who were forcibly accompanied by the militants for carrying their bags, were still failed to returned home generating the suspicion they are either injured or dead.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
