Assam Rifles recovers 13 bodies following a shooting incident in Tengnoupal District

Digital Desk: Early on December 4, a new firing incident occurred in Manipur's Tengnoupal district.

Following intelligence reports regarding a gunfight in the area at around 10.30 am, the Assam Rifles started an operation and, according to a defence source, discovered 13 bodies from the Leithu area of Tengnoupal district, Manipur. 

The tragedy happened in an area where Kukis predominate; the dead have not yet been identified.

The Tengnoupal District Joint Kuki Civil Society Organisations, which include Kuki Inpu Tengnoupal, Kuki Chiefs Association Tengnoupal, Kuki Students' Organisation Tengnoupal, and the Hill Tribal Council Moreh, praised the 'Peace Agreement' as an important step towards integrating banned extremists into the mainstream. 

"We believe that the recently signed 'Peace Agreement' would pave the way for a peaceful environment in the trouble-torn Manipur valley," the group said.

Earlier that day, on December 3, the Kuki-Zo tribal bodies of Manipur's Tengnoupal district praised the recent 'Peace Agreement' signed by the Government of India and the Meitei militant faction, the UNLF (Pambei).

They have, however, been vocal in their opposition to the proposed development of designated camps for surrendered rebels in Kuki-Zo tribal territories.