9 killed in fresh violence in Manipur

At least nine people were killed in Manipur late on Tuesday night in a violent gunfight, a top police official informed.

“The gun battle started around 10 p.m. on Tuesday and continued for a long time. We have reports of at least nine deaths and 10 injured so far,” Police Superintendent K Shivakanta Singh said.

A PTI report cited, suspected militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, surrounded the villagers in the Khamenlok area late evening and then launched an attack around 1 am. 

The injured have been admitted to Imphal hospital, police add.

Earlier on Monday, another nine people were injured in a gunfight between militants and village volunteers in the same region.

The Khamenlok lies along the borders of the Meitei-dominated Imphal East district and the tribal-majority Kangpokpi district.

The district authorities in Imphal East and Imphal West have made the decision to reduce the curfew relaxation hours due to the prevailing circumstances. Previously, the curfew was relaxed from 5 am to 6 pm, but now it has been shortened to 5 am to 9 am. 

Currently, the curfew is in force in 11 of the 16 districts of Manipur, while internet services are suspended in the entire northeastern state.

The recent ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. Reports indicate that approximately 100 people have lost their lives, while 310 others have been injured. To restore peace in the state, the deployment of army and para-military personnel has been necessary.

The clashes began on May 3 following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.

Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.

(With agency inputs)