Cattle slaughtered in Manipur grazing ground, third incident in recent months

Imphal: Unknown assailants armed with firearms slaughtered two cattle and injured an equal number of others at the grazing ground of Khurkhul village in Imphal West district, adjacent to Kangpokpi district in Manipur.

The incident occurred on Wednesday around 3 pm, as confirmed by I Shanta Singh, the Pradhan of Khurkhul Gram Panchayat under the Sekmai police station.

According to Singh, the attackers targeted five cattle, including two milking cows owned by Heikham Lot.

Two cows were fatally shot and taken away in a vehicle for their meat, while two calves, one male and one female, sustained bullet wounds. Veterinary officials treated the injured calves on Thursday.

Singh expressed suspicion that armed militants from the neighboring village in Kangpokpi district might be involved.

Khurkhul village shares a border with Kangpokpi, primarily inhabited by the Kuki community.

This incident marks the third instance of cattle slaughter and theft in Khurkhul village following ethinc violence between the Meiteis and Kukis that began on May 3, 2024, resulting in approximately 200 casualties, said the Pradhan.