Kuki militants continue offensive at Sanasabi, Shantikhongbal, Shabungkhok Reporter on duty shot in indiscriminate firing

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 28 : Kuki militants continued their onslaught at Yaingangpokpi areas for the fifth day straight, leaving a video journalist injured.
The  injured has been identified as Leimapokpam Kabichandra (35),  s/o (L) Jugindro of Kongba Uchekon Khunou and he works for Impact TV.
It is reported that Kabichandra was shot on the thigh while he was at Thamnapokpi playground near a police bunker at around 7.30 am today.
He was immediately evacuated by other journalists and security personnel to Raj Medicity where he underwent a surgery.
His condition is said to be stable.
Meanwhile, Kuki militants rained bombs and bullets at Sanasabi Village, Thamnapokpi, Shanti-khongbal and Sabungkhok Khunou from Yaingang-pokpi Thamnapokpi Uyuk hill range the whole night yesterday and the attack continued till 10.30 am today.
The security personnel deployed in the area also retaliated resulting in a fierce exchange of fire between the two sides.
The Kuki militants were advancing toward Meitei villages by firing bombs and bullets.
The Central forces and Indian Army rushed to the spot after the gunfight stopped and destroyed only the bunkers at Thamnapokpi where Meeteis settle.
The Central forces didn't cover the site at Thamnapokpi Yaingang-pokpi Uyok Hill from where the  Kuki militants launched the attack during the search operation as they went to Simol Kuki village instead.
The security personnel, however, were not allowed to carry out the search operation at Simol Kuki village by the Kuki populace.
It is reported that the Central forces destroyed the bunker built at Thamnapokpi but did not go toward the Thamnapokpi Yaingangpokpi Uyok Hill from where the Kuki militants were firing bombs and bullets.
The Central forces also reportedly destroyed the bunkers of Manipur Rifles in the process.
Later late in the evening the security forces reportedly launched a search operation at the hills from where the Kuki militants had launched the offensive. Even as the security forces were headed towards the hills, Kuki militants fired a bomb.
A large number of Meetei womenfolk also came out on the street leading toward Yaingangpokpi Bazar and prevented security personnel from leaving the village as  they feared Kuki militants might attack them anytime again. The situation in the area is still tense.
On December 27, two persons including a policeman were injured in Kuki aggression.