Monday, May 26, 2008

Rebels kill five civilians in Manipur

Imphal, May 26 : At least five people were killed in an attack by tribal separatists Sunday in the restive northeastern state of Manipur, the police said. A police spokesman said armed militants belonging to the banned Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) descended on village Saikul in Senapati district, about 50 km north of Imphal, and shot dead five villagers.

“The militants armed with automatic weapons lined up the villagers and shot dead five of them before leaving the area unchallenged,” a police official said.

The provocation for the attack was not immediately known. All the victims were male.

“The village is dominated by people from the Naga tribes,” the official said.

The KRA is fighting for an independent homeland for the minority Kuki tribe in Manipur.

There are some 19 militant groups active in Manipur, bordering Myanmar, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.

IANS

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