Imphal, July 2 : Three persons were shot dead by armed persons in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Sunday, police said.
The incident happened at Kumbi town.
Sources said there was heavy firing from the nearby hills at Laingoubi, Chandolpokpi and Soukom areas since Saturday midnight.
People of the area requested the central forces to help them as the firing from the Kuki dominated hill areas had been going on since May 3.
Around 50000 people living in the foothills and other affected areas have been displaced and are still living in relief camps.
Locals said many people who were guarding the villages were killed and repeated firing using sophisticated guns, sniper and mortar from the hills have made it impossible for the villagers to return.
The villagers also said the miscreants also killed cattle and took them away. Killing of cows and other animals was also opposed by the valley residents who treat the animals with love and care and killing is not allowed by their tradition and religion.
Some volunteers now guard the vacated villages as locals fear their houses will be completely burnt, Over 3000 houses were burnt since the beginning of the present disturbances.
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey also condemned the attack on farmers in a statement on Sunday.
Curfew was still on in most parts of the state, save relaxation of few hours. Internet has suspended since May 3 when the crisis started in Churachandpur district.
