Manipur Police say suspected militant killed in gunfight, locals claim he was a civilian

A man was killed on Tuesday during an alleged gunfight with the Assam Rifles and the Army in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, the state police said, describing him as a “suspected militant”

However, local residents alleged he was a civilian, identified as Lenminsang Haokip.

According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the gunfight took place on Tuesday between Molphei and Songkong villages during an operation against suspected militants.

“During the encounter, one suspected militant was killed,” the statement added. “One AK-47 rifle, along with magazines, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items, was recovered from the spot.”

The police further said that a case had been registered and that further investigation was underway.

However, the Songkong Village Authority disputed the official version of events and condemned the “brutal and inhumane attack carried out by the Indian Army on our village".

It accused the Army of acting with “complete disregard for the safety of women and children” and using drones and bombs to attack the village.

The village authority said Haokip was an “innocent civilian” who was killed during an “unprovoked assault”. It further alleged that after his death, his clothes were changed into military fatigues and his body was taken away.

“To this hour there is no trace of his mortal remains,” the statement issued on Wednesday...

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