Woman killed, 2 injured as gunmen open fire on farmers in Manipur paddy field

A 40-year-old woman farmer was killed, and two others sustained bullet injuries after unidentified armed miscreants opened fire at farmers working in a paddy field in Manipur's Senapati district on Thursday, triggering fresh violence in the state.The incident took place at around 11 am in Taphou Kuki village, where the farmers were working in the field when the attackers opened fire at them, officials said.The deceased was identified as Kimneineng Chongloi, 40, a resident of Taphou village. She sustained bullet injuries and died at the spot. The two injured men were identified as Sehngam Chongloi, alias David, and Lamkhochon Chongloi, both residents of Taphou Kuki village."All the victims belonged to the Kuki community. Who was involved and what their motive behind the attack was are yet to be ascertained," a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity. The injured men were initially taken to Mission Hospital in Kangpokpi district for first aid. They were later reportedly referred to Imphal for further treatment.A case has been registered at Senapati police station, and an investigation is underway.RECENT KILLING OF TWO KUKI YOUTHS The latest attack comes days after two youths belonging to the Kuki community, who were abducted by unidentified miscreants on October 28, were found dead on November 1.During a visit to the families of the deceased on November 9, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand announced that the case had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He also assured the families that those responsible would be brought to justice.NAGA-KUKI CLASHES IN MANIPURThe fresh violence comes against the backdrop of tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur. Clashes erupted on February 7 in the Litan village area of Ukhrul district following a drunken brawl between youths belonging to the two communities.Since then, several houses belonging to both communities have been set ablaze, while around 60 people from the two communities have been killed so far. However, there is no official government data on the death toll.- Ends