Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 22:
Six persons were severely assaulted by some unidentified gunmen at Langol Laimanai under Lamphel police station yesterday at around 7:30 pm.
The victims were also threatened by firing a few rounds in the air.
Speaking to reporters in connection with the incident today, secretary of the Thangmeiband Naharol Progressive Horticulture Farmers' Association, Salam Devan recounted that some 5/6 unidentified gunmen came in a Bolero and asked for him at about 7.30 pm yesterday.
At the time he was away from home on some work.
As his wife Salam ongbi Sushila told them of his absence, they went away without saying anything.
From there the unidentified persons came to the farm run by the Association where they thrashed five innocent members of the association and another individual.
The victimised members of the association are identified as Ningthoujam Nongyai (49), Salam Ibohal (65), Salam Birchandra (74), Chingtham Abomba (27) and Sangalmayum Meino (57).All of them belong to Langol Laimanai.
The sixth victim is identified as Lourembam Captain (52) of Langol Lamanai.
Devan conveyed that all the six farmers were beaten blue and black at the courtyard of Ningthoujam Nongyai where the gunmen also fired a few rounds.
After this, the assailants came back to the house of Devan and threatened his wife by putting a gun at her head to tell them the whereabouts of her husband.
Again, they fired a round in the kitchen followed by some 7/8 rounds in the courtyard before they left the place.
Saying that all the individuals staying at the farm of the association are simple farmers, Devan appealed to all concerned not to victimise and intimidate such humble farmers ever again.