Fresh violence in Manipur violence has claimed at least four lives across two separate incidents, triggering angry protests and bringing normal activities in parts of Imphal to a near standstill. Protesters carried the bodies of two victims to the high-security residence of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, demanding immediate action over the killings. The incidents occurred amid continuing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, whose relations have remained strained since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023.
In the first incident, three villagers were allegedly shot dead by suspected tribal militants near Khamenlok in Imphal East district while collecting firewood in the nearby hills. According to local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, the victims were collecting firewood near the boundary between Imphal East and Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district when they came under attack. Police sources cited in a News18 report said the area has a presence of Kuki militant groups.
Key Points Of The Manipur Violence
- Fresh violence in Manipur claimed four lives in two separate incidents, raising fears of another escalation along the sensitive Imphal East-Kangpokpi boundary.
- Three villagers were shot dead near Khamenlok while collecting firewood, and three others were injured in the attack.
- A 24-year-old man died after being shot during violence at a musical event in a locality inhabited by Meiteis and Pangal Muslims.
- Agitated protesters carried two bodies to the high-security residence of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh in Imphal, where police used tear gas and a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
Three Villagers Shot Dead Near Khamenlok
The three villagers killed in the first attack were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, from Nongshum Mayai Leikai; Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44; and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32, both from localities in the Uyumpok area. Three other people, identified as Meisnam Somendro, 55; Bonson Khingdram, 45; and Ngangom Suraj, 22, were injured and admitted to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal.
Local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh called for urgent intervention by the authorities and demanded the removal of the Sinai Camp, a camp associated with the Suspension of Operations arrangement located near the site of the attack. He also stated that Assam Rifles personnel had assured the firewood collectors of protection before the incident took place.
Separate Shooting Triggers Protests in Imphal
In another incident, a 24-year-old man died after being sustained bullet wounds during violence at a musical event in a locality inhabited by Meiteis and Pangal Muslims, according to an NDTV report. The incident reportedly involved stone-pelting and gunfire, leaving several people injured before the young man succumbed to his injuries.
The killings sparked immediate protests, with an agitated crowd carrying two bodies to the high-security residence of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh in Imphal. Authorities later removed the bodies from the premises, while police used tear gas and a lathi-charge to disperse protesters who had entered the property.
Chief Minister Visits Injured as Tensions Rise
Following the protests and the fresh Manipur violence, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited the injured victims at Raj Medicity Hospital while security agencies sanitised the site of the fatal shooting. The latest casualties have heightened concerns along the sensitive Imphal East-Kangpokpi boundary, where mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities remains deep and the situation risks further escalation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fresh violence in Manipur?
The fresh Manipur violence was triggered by two separate shooting incidents, including an attack on villagers collecting firewood near Khamenlok and violence at a musical event involving stone-pelting and gunfire.
How many people died in the latest incidents?
At least four people lost their lives in the two separate incidents, while several others sustained injuries and were admitted to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal.
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