The proscribed United National Liberation Front (Koireng), a leading insurgent group from strife-hit Manipur, shot a 30-year-old transgender on his left leg as punishment for his alleged involvement in sex trade.

Reports from Imphal identified the injured person as fashion designer Laishram Kumarjit and he was found with a gunshot wound on his left calf in front of a primary health centre in Imphal West around 8.30am on Saturday.

He was picked up from his house on Friday night by unidentified persons and taken to the adjacent Bishnupur district. His condition is stated to be stable.

Later, UNLF (K) spokesperson Pibarel Angomcha claimed in a video message that Kumarjit was punished by the outfit for his alleged involvement in sex trade in the state.

As of the time of filing the report, the police had not responded to the incident.

This is the second time in a week that the United National Liberation Front (Koireng) has targeted people involved in the sex trade in the valley as part of its intensified drive against such “immoral” activities.

On May 12, the outfit had apprehended two women from Imphal for their alleged involvement in sex trade. They were later released after promising to mend their ways.

Formed in 1964, the UNLF is the oldest valley-based insurgent group in the state fighting for an independent Manipur. One of its factions, UNLF (Pambei) signed a peace pact with the Centre and the state government on November 29 last year.

However, the UNLF (K), said to be more powerful, is still continuing with its armed insurgency and has about 300 cadres.