UKHRUL: A 49-year-old farmer was shot and seriously injured while harvesting paddy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district in the early hours of Thursday, triggering concern among villagers over the alleged failure of nearby security personnel to intervene.

The incident took place at around 3.05 am at Ihang Plains in Sinakeithei village, approximately 300 metres from a residential area. The victim was identified as Newton Mahung, son of late Mayonmi Mahung.

According to a press release issued by the Sinakeithei Village Authority, suspected Kuki miscreants allegedly opened fire on farmers working in their paddy fields from the direction of the Lungter Hills range.

Mahung sustained a gunshot injury to his right forearm and injuries to three fingers of his left hand, excluding the index finger. He was seriously injured in the attack.

The Village Authority questioned why security personnel stationed nearby allegedly failed to intervene when the armed men opened fire on the farmers.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of farmers working in agricultural fields amid continuing tensions in the region.