Churachandpur, Manipur:
In a shocking act of violence, at least four people, including a 60-year-old woman, were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday afternoon. The attack, which took place near Mongjang village around 2 pm, has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted authorities to ramp up security in the area.
According to police sources, the victims were travelling in a car when they were ambushed by gunmen. The attackers reportedly fired at close range, leaving the victims with fatal injuries. Officers from the Churachandpur district headquarters said more than a dozen empty shells were recovered from the scene, indicating a sustained volley of gunfire.
Mongjang village, where the incident occurred, is situated approximately 7 kilometers from Churachandpur town. Police officials said the identities of the deceased have not yet been formally confirmed, and investigations are underway to determine the motive and perpetrators behind the brutal attack.
“We are verifying the identities of the victims and gathering more details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack,”
said a senior police officer stationed at Churachandpur.
Following the incident, police forces and additional security personnel were rushed to the area to secure the site and prevent any further escalation. The region has been tense in recent months due to sporadic incidents of violence linked to ongoing ethnic and political tensions in parts of Manipur.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire, followed by chaos and panic in the normally quiet village. Residents expressed fear and shock over the attack, urging authorities to step up security measures and prevent further violence.
Security agencies are conducting intensive combing operations in and around Mongjang village to track down the assailants. Senior officials said they are also collecting forensic evidence from the scene, including ballistic reports on the recovered shell casings.
Local leaders and civil society organisations have condemned the killings and called for calm. They urged both the state and central governments to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the region.
Manipur has witnessed intermittent incidents of violence in recent months, with the state government and security forces grappling to maintain order amid a fragile security situation. Authorities have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
In response to the attack, security has been tightened across Churachandpur district, with additional checkpoints and patrols set up along key routes. Police have assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safety of residents and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
Investigations are ongoing, and police officials have urged anyone with information related to the attack or the movements of suspicious individuals in the area to come forward. The tragic incident has once again underscored the urgent need for durable peace and security in Manipur, where communities continue to grapple with the threat of armed violence.
Authorities have pledged to share further details with the media as the investigation progresses.
