Imphal, January 29 2009: A GROUP of Kuki militants last night opened fire at random upon a crowd during a function being held inside a hall, killing at least one girl and injuring three persons including a baby.

The unfortunate incident occurred around 10 pm in the hall of Tollen Youth Club located at Tollen village, about 6 kms north of the Churachandpur Police Station.

The deceased girl has been identified as Miss Singneimoi @ Moite (25), daughter of Lampinthang Khongsai of the same village.

She was hit by at least around five to six bullets on her body.

She died instantly without having a chance to be taken to a hospital.

The three injured persons including a baby, who are being treated at hospital are Baby Lamhoihen (3), daughter of Ginminthang, Tollen village, Thangkhosei (18), son of Thaothang, Tollen village and Seilenlal (26), son of Ginkhai of the same village.

As per reports received by this newspaper, the incident occurred during the celebration of raising day of the Tollen Youth Club.

The girl who fell victim to the assassins' bullets was holding a microphone and compering the programme.

Those injured were in the audience.

The reports said that while the programme was going on, a group of seven activists belonging to a Kuki militant organisation, which is one of the various groups currently on the Suspension of Operation (SoO), armed to the teeth, intruded into the hall of the club, and searched for a man.

As their action appeared to disrupt the programme, the members of the club, along with help of the local villagers, tried to drive them out of the hall.

A fight between the two groups ensued, and the armed militants suddenly opened fire upon the people causing the casualties.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

Post mortem was carried out on the deceased girl's body at the Churachandpur district hospital this morning.

The baby is being treated at the district hospital while Seilenlal and Thangkhosei have been referred to RIMS Hospital.

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