Imphal: A brutal attack by suspected militants on a village in the Khamenlok area of strife-torn Manipur has resulted in the loss of nine lives and left ten others injured, according to police sources. The armed militants, wielding sophisticated weapons, surrounded the villagers in the bordering region of Imphal East district and Kangpokpi district before launching the assault around 1 am on Wednesday. The injured individuals have been swiftly transported to Imphal for medical treatment. Preliminary reports suggest that some of the victims bear cut marks on their bodies and have sustained multiple bullet injuries.
This incident is a major setback in ongoing efforts to restore peace in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities for over a month. The Khamenlok area is located along the borders of Imphal East, predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, and Kangpokpi, which is largely inhabited by the Kuki tribal community.
Just two nights ago, nine individuals were injured in a gunfight in the same Khamenlok area during an exchange of fire between militants and village volunteers. Furthermore, security forces engaged in a firefight with armed militants at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Tuesday. The militants were attempting to establish bunkers near residential areas when the security forces intervened, leading to the exchange of gunfire.
In response to the escalating violence, the district authorities have shortened the curfew relaxation hours in Imphal East and Imphal West districts from the usual 5 am to 6 pm to 5 am to 9 am.
The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed the lives of at least 100 individuals and left 310 others injured since it erupted a month ago. Army and para-military personnel have been deployed to restore peace in the state. Curfew restrictions remain in effect in 11 out of the 16 districts of Manipur, while internet services have been suspended throughout the entire northeastern state. The clashes initially erupted 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.
The Meitei community, comprising approximately 53 percent of Manipur’s population, predominantly resides in the Imphal Valley. On the other hand, Nagas and Kukis, constituting around 40 percent of the population, are primarily concentrated in the hill districts.
As investigations continue into this latest violent incident, authorities are facing mounting challenges in maintaining law and order and bringing an end to the ethnic tensions that have gripped the region. The situation remains volatile, and swift action is crucial to restoring peace and fostering harmonious coexistence among the various communities in Manipur.
