Manipur Shootout: RPF claims self-defence after four civilians killed, eight injured
Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), stated that shootout in Lilong, resulting in the loss of four innocent lives and injuring eight others was in self-defence.
Chief minister N Biren Singh warned that these elements should be held responsible, if the government takes any stringent action including reimposition of the unwanted AFSPA.
On Monday four people were shot dead, and injuring others injured in Manipur’s Thoubal district. Curfew was reimposed in the three districts of the state.
The RPF clarified their mission was an attempt to apprehend a drug lord who had persistently flouted warnings to halt illegal drug trading which the locals of the area intervened without understanding the mission, resulting in the shootout in self-defence.
Police reports, registered under FIR No. 01(01)2023LIL-PS u/s 302/435/34IPC, 20UA(P) A. Act & 25(1-C) Arms Act, detailed the sequence of events.
Armed miscreants in four Maruti Gypsies opened fire in the localities of Lilong Tamyai and Chingjao, near Md. Hassan’s residence, while allegedly attempting to abduct him. When locals intervened to prevent the abduction, the armed group resorted to firing, resulting in casualties and injuries.
The miscreants fled on foot, abandoning their vehicles which were later set ablaze by enraged locals.
The victims, all from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, leave behind shattered families. Makakmayum Sophia, daughter of one victim, M Azad (44) recounted the tragic moment her father left home to search for her missing brothers, never to return.
“We were having dinner last night at around 7 pm when we heard the commotion. My father realized my younger brothers had not returned home. So, he got worried and despite my request not to go out, he went
