A village volunteer belonging to the Naga community was injured after suspected Kuki militants opened fire at Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul district on Wednesday, amid an ongoing shutdown called by Naga organisations.
The injured, identified as Chihanngam Rungsung, sustained a bullet wound to his heel after reportedly being targeted by a sniper around 3:30 pm, sources said. He was initially taken to a nearby Border Security Force (BSF) post where he received first aid before being shifted to Ukhrul District Hospital for further treatment.
Security forces rushed to the area soon after the incident and launched combing operations to track down those involved in the attack.
The shooting occurred on the second day of a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM). The agitation was triggered by the killing of two Naga civilians at TM Kasom along National Highway-202 on April 18.
Normal life remained disrupted across Naga-inhabited areas during the shutdown, with markets, educational institutions and banks closed. However, essential services such as healthcare, media, fire services and water supply were exempted.
Meanwhile, Naga organisations have announced a candlelight vigil to be held on April 23 at 6:30 pm across district headquarters and in Imphal, in protest against the killings and as a mark of solidarity.
