Imphal:

Two elderly men were shot in their legs by unknown armed attackers in Imphal East district on Tuesday night.

Police said that unidentified gunmen attacked the two persons — Takhelchangbam Hemanta (55) and Yengkhom Kesho (56) — at the Kongba river bank under the Heingang police station area.

The unknown armed attackers reportedly arrived at the spot and opened fire on the two men, targeting their legs before fleeing the scene.

The locals who witnessed the attack quickly came to the rescue of the injured individuals.

They were promptly transported to the Imphal East District Police, who took the necessary steps to ensure they received medical attention.

Both the injured were later rushed to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) In Imphal for medical treatment.

Police are investigating the incident but they have yet to identify the attackers or their motives.

Heingang Police Station has launched a search operation in the area to gather more information and track down those responsible for this violent attack.

Tuesday night violent incident took place after Saturday’s killing of two migrant workers from Bihar.

Manipur police so far arrested eight cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) (KCP-PWG) outfit in connection with the killing of two migrant workers — Sunalal Kumar, 18, and Dasharat Kumar, 17.

A cache of arms and ammunition including eight weapons were recovered from the detainees.

Armed militants shot dead the two migrant workers near the panchayat office in Keirak on Kakching-Wabagai Road in Kakching district on Saturday evening when the victims, along with a few others, were going on their bicycles.

Condemning the killing of two migrant workers, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had announced Rs 10 lakh as an ex-gratia for the kin of each victim.

He said that if required, the case would be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Imphal:

The Manipur Police on Sunday expressed concern over the use of sophisticated weapons to target security personnel during protests and urged people to refrain from using such means to make their point.

“We want to remind the public that the police department’s duty is to maintain law and order and to respond to armed attacks by miscreants. We have sustained multiple casualties during these challenging times,” Deputy Inspector General (Range 1) N Herojit Singh told reporters.

“In recent agitations, traditional forms of protests have been replaced with lethal methods targeting security forces. Demonstrators have engaged in stone-throwing, shooting iron pieces from slingshots, firing tear gas shells, and using automatic firearms,” Mr Singh said, highlighting the shift in protest tactics.

“We have evidence of automatic weapons being fired during protests. At Khabeisoi, firing from automatic weapons injured an officer in-charge of Imphal East Commando and another policeman recently. In Kakwa, Imphal West district, firing from automatic weapons left bullet marks on our vehicles,” he said.

“We want to say that police forces use maximum restraint when dealing with protesters. Although there has been no retaliation from police in response to automatic weapon fire, we have reports of protesters getting injured when we use minimal, non-lethal anti-riot measures,” the officer said.

He said the police have detained people who come from other localities to participate in sabotage during protests. “During protests, we have detained people from outside localities. We urge people to use democratic and non-violent methods for their demands. Entering highly sensitive areas and destroying public property will be met with strong measures. Police are part of the community and not the enemy. Protests aimed primarily at targeting and attacking the police should cease immediately,” Mr Singh said.

He requested the media to avoid live coverage of protests, which can incite others to join.

“Without law and order, society cannot function. If conventional methods to maintain law and order fail and alternative measures are used, it will be unfortunate for everyone,” he said.

Superintendent of Police (Imphal West) Ksh Shivakanta Singh said they have seen situations where locals cooperated with the police and persuaded demonstrators to avoid violence.

“We urge community elders to help restrain those who come to protests under the influence of alcohol and engage in violent behaviour. Cooperation will help us manage the situation more effectively,” he said.