Gunfire erupts as civilians work fields along Imphal–Khoupum Road; victim shot in arm and chest, Assam Rifles unit stationed in village
By Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express
Songpi, June 18, 2026: A Kuki villager was injured on Thursday afternoon after armed Tangkhul refugee militants allegedly opened fire on civilians working in agricultural fields at Joujangtek village in Manipur’s Noney district. The attack took place around 12 noon, triggering panic among locals who were engaged in farming activities along the Imphal–Khoupum Road.
Witnesses said unsuspecting villagers were tending to their fields when the militants launched the assault. Heavy gunfire was reported from the area, forcing farmers and residents to abandon their work and flee for safety. The sudden firing created chaos, with families rushing to secure children and the elderly.
The injured villager has been identified as Nohjang, a resident of Joujangtek village. Sources said he sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and chest during the firing. He was rushed for medical attention, though his condition could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report. Local sources said efforts were on to shift him to a hospital for treatment.
Joujangtek village currently has a unit of the 19 Assam Rifles stationed there. The village lies along the strategic Imphal–Khoupum Road in Noney district, an area that has seen heightened security presence due to ongoing tensions. Security forces are expected to review the incident and step up area domination patrols following the attack.
No group has claimed responsibility for the firing so far. Further details are awaited as authorities assess the situation. This is a developing story.
