4 villagers found shot dead near Myanmar border in Manipur's Kamjong

Four men were found dead with bullet injuries in Manipur's Kamjong district in the early hours of Friday, with police suspecting that militants from neighbouring Myanmar were behind the killings. The bodies were recovered near the India-Myanmar border after a prolonged search by police and villagers.

Police said five villagers were ambushed on Thursday after militants crossed into Manipur from Myanmar. One of the villagers managed to escape and alerted the authorities. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killings, while local representatives called for stronger border security and an end to violence.

The deceased were identified as Vareishim Jajo, Phami Jajo, Betterson Jajo and Ningthem Kashak. Police said they belonged to the Tangkhul Naga community.

An official said the bodies, bearing bullet marks, were found at around 1.30 am at an isolated spot near the Myanmar border in remote Pilong village, about 34 km from the district headquarters. The bodies were later taken to Kamjong district hospital for post-mortem, police said.

"Militants from neighbouring Myanmar crossed into Manipur and ambushed five villagers on Thursday. One of them managed to escape and alerted the local authorities," a police official said.

Singh said "such acts of violence have no place in our society and will not be tolerated". He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them in this hour of grief.

Local MLA L Keishing, who visited the village, said militants from Myanmar attacked the villagers of Pilong and killed four unarmed civilians. The NPF legislator also urged the Central and state governments to secure the border and improve security.

Awangbou Newmai, the state president of the Naga People's Front, alleged that members of the Kuki National Army (Burma) were behind the attack. He appealed to all communities to "shun violence" and "co-exist as peaceful neighbours". The killings have drawn condemnation from political leaders even as police suspect cross-border militants were involved.