Fresh attacks in Imphal East have left two people injured, with a village volunteer sustaining minor injuries and a policeman suffering bullet wounds in his left shoulder. The violent incidents occurred on Friday in the district’s Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi villages, where armed men from the hills launched a gun-and-bomb assault. Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the indiscriminate firing and emphasised the need for proper coordination between central and state police forces.
Fresh Attacks in Imphal East Spark Violence
The attacks began early in the morning when armed assailants from the hilltops started firing indiscriminately and hurling bombs at the villages of Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi. In response, security forces were compelled to retaliate, resulting in a fierce gunfight. Among the injured were a 37-year-old policeman, identified as K Haridash, and a village volunteer, both of whom were swiftly transported for medical treatment. Haridash, who suffered a gunshot wound to his left shoulder, was taken to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences for a minor surgery. The village volunteer, who sustained injuries to his hands, was also treated and is expected to recover fully.
CM Biren Singh Strongly Condemns the Attacks
In a statement on social media, Chief Minister Biren Singh strongly condemned the attacks, calling them a “cowardly and unprovoked assault on innocent lives.” He denounced the actions of the Kuki militants and described the incident as an attack on peace and harmony. The CM assured the public that adequate security personnel had been dispatched to the affected areas, and those injured were receiving necessary medical assistance. He also urged calm and unity in the face of the violence, emphasizing the need for greater coordination between central forces and the state police in managing such incidents.
Historical Context of Violence in Manipur
The latest attacks in Imphal East come amid ongoing violence in Manipur, which has seen ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. These clashes, which began in May of the previous year, have resulted in the deaths of more than 250 individuals and left thousands displaced. The state has been grappling with a volatile security situation, with ethnic tensions flaring sporadically, particularly in the Imphal Valley region.
Manipur’s history of insurgency and violence has deep roots in ethnic and political issues, with multiple militant groups operating in the region. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has been one of the most challenging aspects of the state’s recent history. Both groups have been vying for greater autonomy and rights, with violent confrontations frequently erupting.
Ongoing Security Challenges in the Region
As security forces continue to deal with the aftermath of the recent gun-and-bomb attacks, authorities are also dealing with additional threats. In a separate incident in Imphal West, a hand grenade was found at the residence of a doctor in Chingmeirong, accompanied by a threatening note from the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group). This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant groups in the region, with the KCP (PWG) being known for extortion activities across the Imphal Valley.
The discovery of the grenade and the associated warning has led to increased security measures in the area, as law enforcement officials continue to investigate the threat. The presence of such militant groups underscores the challenges that Manipur faces in maintaining peace and security.
Security Forces Respond to Escalating Violence
In addition to their response to the gun-and-bomb attacks, security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been actively involved in rescue operations. Several women, children, and elderly residents who were caught in the crossfire have been safely evacuated from the affected areas. These ongoing operations are part of a broader effort to protect civilians and restore stability in the region, where violence continues to pose a significant threat to public safety.
The latest violence in Imphal East highlights the fragile security situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions, militant activity, and sporadic outbreaks of violence continue to challenge authorities and civilians alike. The state government, under the leadership of CM Biren Singh, is striving to bring peace to the region, but it remains a daunting task given the complex and deeply rooted issues at play.