In a fresh round of violence in ethnic strife-torn Manipur, mutilated bodies of three youths were found following heavy gunfire at Kuki Thowai village in Ukhrul district on Friday, officials said. This is the first time that an attack in the recent bout of violence has occurred in Ukhrul district, which is dominated by Tangkhul Nagas.

Early morning gunfiring

Sounds of heavy gunfire were heard from the village, early in the morning, they said. Thereafter, police conducted a thorough search in the surrounding villages and forest areas and found bodies of three youths. They were identified as Jamkhogin Haokip, 26, Thangkhokai Haokip, 35, and Hollenson Baite, 24. Their bodies bore injury marks apparently made using sharp knives and their limbs were also chopped off, officers said.