MOHUN BAGAN U-18 MIDFIELDER AMONG THREE INJURED IN MANIPUR’S KANGPOKPI CLASH

Paogoulal Chongloi, an 18-year-old midfielder from Mohun Bagan’s U-18 team was injured during an armed clash in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday. The incident took place at the border between Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages, where violence reportedly erupted between two tribal groups.

Two other individuals were also injured in the incident. They have been identified as Paogoulal Chongloi, Genlenmang Vaiphei and Lunliandaw Vaiphei. According to Kuki-Zo organizations, all three injured persons belong to the Kuki community and were students and local volunteers.

Reports indicate that the exchange of gunfire and alleged bombings began at around 6:00 a.m., escalating tensions in the Kuki-majority district.

The injured individuals were initially taken to Leimakhong for medical attention before being shifted under tight security to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for advanced treatment.

Meanwhile, tensions flared at the RIMS complex after a large group of protesters gathered, alleging that the injured men were m***tants. Security personnel intervened to maintain order and reportedly used tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowd and secure the hospital premises.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the incident are ongoing.