Manipur's Sugnu village battered in constant bombardment, casualties up in past 7 days

Sugnu Village in Manipur Under Attack, Locals Displeased with Inaction of Security Forces

Sugnu, a Meitei community-inhabited village in Manipur’s Kakching district, has been under attack by suspected militants for the last seven days, causing destruction and casualties. In addition to a BSF jawan being injured, five elderly persons, including four women, have reportedly died of heart attacks since February 14.

The deceased have been identified as Moirangthem Tombi, 103, Khaidem Achoubi, 74, Thongam Chaoba, 80, Laishram Dasumati, 60, and Moirangthem Nandakumar, 62, all from Sugnu. Locals expressed dissatisfaction over the inaction of the security forces in protecting them and their village.

The militants have been firing bullets and bombs on Sugnu village from across the Manipur river, leading to heavy exchange of fire between village volunteers and extremists. Extensive damage to houses near the river bank has left the area looking like a war-devastated zone.

Official sources report that efforts are being made by state and central forces to deescalate the violence. Heavy deployment of BSF and state forces has been made at different locations of Sugnu, including the bazaar area and inter-village roads. A joint operation by state forces and BSF was carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday for area domination.

Rights activist Aheibam Chanthoisana, who hails from Sugnu, has questioned the inaction of the forces, claiming that suspected militants have fired around 500 bombs and an endless number of bullets towards Sugnu since February 14. She noted that following a truce among communities, Sugnu was relatively peaceful but has once again been under attack for the past seven days.

Chanthoisana also highlighted the alleged trench dug at Lailongphai and Dongyang villages, from where the firing and bombardment are allegedly being carried out. Authorities are investigating the situation and are working to ensure the safety and security of the village and its residents.