The Kuki Revolutionary Army is under Tripartite Talks with the central and state governments under the umbrella of Kuki National Organisation (KNO). No organisations claimed responsibility for killings so far.
TFM Representative, Kangpokpi
The “army chief” of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) under Suspension of Operations with the governments was brutally killed along with his bodyguard by unknown armed miscreants at his Lhungtin residence around 10:30 pm on Thursday, police said on Friday.
The Kuki Revolutionary Army is also under Tripartite Talks with the central and state governments under the umbrella of Kuki National Organisation (KNO).
The deceased was identified as Janggin, alias Jetlee Baite (40), s/o (L) Tongpao Baite of Lhungtin village and the deceased bodyguard was identified Lamginlen Hangshing (20), s/o Hellal Hangshing of Tingpibung village.
Saikul police recovered the bodies and deposited at RIMS morgue for postmortem.
Unidentified armed miscreants attacked the KRA army chief at his residence at Lhungtin village at around 10:30 pm killing them on the spot.
Bullet marks were seen at the chest and belly of Janggin and his head was partially blown off while his bodyguard possessed several bullet marks at his belly, said police source.
Lhungtin is the Sub Divisional Headquarters of Lhungtin Sub In Kangpokpi district located around 14 Km. from Saikul hill town and approximately 25 kms away from Kangpokpi district headquarters.
The designated camp of the KRA is situated a few kilometres away from Lhungtin village.
According to the locals, indiscriminate firing of bullets echoed the entire area around 10:30 pm which continued till almost late midnight. Nobody could ascertained what was happening in the middle of the night, everyone was in deep anxiety as gunshots were heard everywhere.
Saikul police and 38 Assam Rifles Saikul Post along with Saikul CSOs reportedly rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation and it was only when they could navigate through the village, bodies of the deceased KRA leaders and his bodyguard could be recovered.
No organisations claimed responsibility for killings so far.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered at Saikul Police station in connection with the incident.