Manipur reels from twin shocks as two teenage migrant workers from Bihar are brutally killed in Kakching, and a militant encounter in Thoubal leaves one dead and six apprehended. With investigations underway, the state grapples with the grim realities of violence and unrest.
By PC Bureau
Manipur witnessed a weekend of turmoil as two teenage migrant workers from Bihar were tragically shot dead in Kakching district, while an exchange of fire between security forces and suspected militants in Thoubal district left one dead and six others in custody. The incidents have sparked outrage and intensified concerns over safety and insurgency in the state.
Migrant Workers Gunned Down in Kakching
In a chilling attack on Saturday, 18-year-old Sunalal Kumar and 17-year-old Dasharat Kumar, both migrant workers from Rajwahi village in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, were fatally shot while cycling through the Meitei-dominated Kakching area. The duo had been residing in a rented accommodation, working in construction to support their families back home.
Authorities are yet to identify the assailants behind the heinous crime. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for each bereaved family. “The CM has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of two migrant workers from the state in Manipur. Heartfelt condolences to their family,” the Chief Minister’s Office stated.
Militant Clash in Thoubal Ends in Bloodshed
Elsewhere, in Thoubal district, an early morning clash near Salungpham High School escalated into a gunfight between security forces and members of an armed group, identified as cadres of the insurgent organization PREPAK (Pro).
One militant, 18-year-old Laishram Prem, alias Loktak Singh, succumbed to his injuries at Raj Medicity. Six others were apprehended in the operation, which began after the suspects, traveling in two vehicles, opened fire on pursuing police commandos.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Thokchom Momocha (alias Sunny) from Heirok Part II
- Sarangthem Anand Singh (alias Malem) from Kakching Khunou
- Ningthoujam Karna Singh (alias Pishak) from Samaram Mapi
- Ningthoujam Manoranjan Singh (alias Khagemba) from Thinungei
- Thongam Phalguni (alias Urikpa, alias Khoithoi) from Lamphel
- Leiba Moirangthem Johnson (alias Thouna) from Lamphel Kombirei.
Arsenal Seized
The encounter uncovered a significant cache of weaponry, including:
- INSAS rifles, SLRs, .303 rifles, and Amogh rifles
- Multiple magazines and live rounds
- Five mobile phones.
Authorities have sent the deceased’s body for post-mortem, and further investigations are ongoing to dismantle insurgent networks in the region.
Arms Cache Found in Kangpokpi
In a separate development, security forces seized another cache of arms and ammunition in Kangpokpi district during a combined search operation at L Jangnomphai and Freedom Hill. Among the haul were hand grenades, stardyne explosives, and multiple firearms, including a 7.62 mm self-loading rifle and a 9mm pistol.
The seized items have been handed over to Kangpokpi police, and legal proceedings are underway.
Rising Tensions
As investigations progress, the twin tragedies underscore the escalating security challenges in Manipur. The brutal killings of migrant workers and the persistent militant activities cast a long shadow over the region, raising urgent questions about governance, safety, and peace in the conflict-ridden state.
