Imphal, Dec. 28 : The militants in Manipur are becoming increasingly unpopular as they do not even spare women and children from their violent activities.

In the latest incident of brutality, militants shot dead Seram Shanti Devi, leader of a Manipuri women''s group in front of the members of her family.

Shanti was working as the woman secretary of Nongpok Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, a joint organization of 12 villages working for welfare of the people .

Shanti Devi's death has shattered the lives of her family members. S. Ranjan Singh, her son, said: "Our mother was the head of the house. She looked after the maintenance of the house. We have been left helpless without her."

N. Jogindro Singh, Shanti's relative, said: "If militants indulge in meaningless violence like our village and the Meitei society will slowly die away."

The Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council) has claimed responsibility for the murder of Shanti Devi.

Village women, meanwhile, have reacted strongly against the killing .

S. Hemabati Devi, a village resident : "We do not see any economic development in Manipur. We have no hope. The militants are killing people without any reason. "

L. Shyama Devi, another villager said: "Shanti Devi was an honest woman and a true Meira Paibi leader. She led 12 villages. We do not know what was her fault. We strongly condemn the killing."

Shanti Devi is the second Meira Paibi leader to be shot dead by militants in Manipur recently .

The attack on Meira Paibis is bound to create hurdles to restore peace and development in the State. (ANI)