New Unrest in Manipur: Suspected militants launched a fresh attack in the Khamenlok area of Manipur, resulting in the death of at least nine people and leaving 10 others injured.
The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, surrounded the villagers and initiated the assault at approximately 1 am on Wednesday. The injured individuals have been admitted to Imphal Hospital for treatment.
Previously, a gunfight occurred between militants and village volunteers in the same area on Monday night.
Additionally, security forces engaged in a firefight with Kuki militants in the Bishnupur district on Tuesday when the militants attempted to construct bunkers near Meitei localities.
The ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, which began a month ago (May 3), has resulted in the loss of approximately 100 lives and left 310 others injured.
Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to restore peace in the state.
The conflict first ignited on May 3 when a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organized in the hill districts as a response to the Meitei community's request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Since the outbreak of violence on May 3 between the tribal Kuki community, primarily residing in the hill districts, and the dominant Meitei community in Imphal Valley, the death toll has risen to over 100 people.
Furthermore, approximately 40,000 individuals have been displaced as a result. It is worth noting that during the initial phase of ethnic violence, a significant number of weapons were looted from police stations.
In response, both Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have urged the public to surrender their weapons.
Manipur's population consists of Meiteis, who make up around 53 per cent and predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, while the tribal Nagas and Kukis account for 40 per cent and primarily reside in the hill districts.