New Delhi: The ethnic conflict in Manipur continues to claim lives, with three Kuki men killed in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated Ukhrul area early on Friday morning.According to The Indian Express, the three killed have been identified as Thangkhokai Haokip, Jamkhogin Haokip and Hollenson Baite. The incident took place around 4:30 am in the Kuki village of Thowai Kuki. The three victims, according to the police, had been designated as village guards by the locals.“The incident is related to the ongoing ethnic problem in the state. Some armed miscreants entered the village and these three people who were guarding the village were shot. The firing has stopped in the area and security forces comprising the Army and police have moved into the area,” Ukhrul SP Ningshem Vashum said.Vashum added that the village is in a remote location and the nearest security checkpost is three km away.According to India Today, villagers hears heavy gunfire this morning and went out to look for the men. They found their bodies.This area has been largely peaceful during the severe ethnic clashes that have affected the state since May 3. More than 150 people have lots their lives in the violence and tens of thousands have been displaced. Various actors and stakeholders have criticised the N. Biren Singh-led state government for failing to control the violence.
