Shooting at Phubala Leaves Two Injured, One Dead; Security Forces Retaliate, Probe Underway

Tension gripped the Phubala area of Bishnupur district this afternoon following a shooting incident that left one cultivator injured and a woman dead during an exchange of fire between unidentified armed miscreants and security forces.

According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the incident occurred around 3:00 PM when Ningthoujam Biren Singh, a farmer from Phubala Awang Maning Leikai, was shot in the left arm by an unknown armed miscreant while working in his paddy field at Phubala Maning. He was rushed to the District Hospital in Bishnupur and later referred to RIMS Hospital in Imphal. His condition is reported to be stable.

Following the incident, combined security forces launched an intensive search operation in Langchingmanbi, Heichanglok, and the western areas of Phubala village. During the operation, security forces came under attack from armed miscreants, prompting a retaliatory response.

Tragically, a woman identified as Mrs. Hoikholhing, wife of the village chief of Langchingmanbi, was found dead with a bullet wound during the crossfire. Her body is being transported to the District Hospital in Churachandpur for necessary legal formalities.

“Cases have been registered in connection with the incidents, and investigation is underway. Combined security forces are continuing search operations to nab the culprits,” the police stated.

Authorities further assured that security arrangements for farming activities in the conflict-prone area will be reassessed. “Adequate security shall be provided to ensure the safety of farmers in the fields and prevent recurrence of such incidents,” the statement said.

The police also appealed to the public to maintain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information. “Further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses,” they added.