Tensions spiked once again in Manipur on Tuesday night as unidentified individuals opened fire in sensitive peripheral areas of Bishnupur district, close to the Churachandpur border. The incident has triggered a swift response from authorities, who have rushed additional security personnel to the region to prevent any escalation.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The unsettling development occurred around 9 pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. According to senior officials, several rounds of gunshots were reported from the vicinity of Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai areas. Fortunately, nobody was injured in this specific firing incident. The situation in the district is described as calm yet tense, with no reports of fresh firing following the initial volley.
An official stated that an investigation into the source and motive of the firing is currently underway. No arrests have been made so far in connection with the case. The areas of Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai hold a grim historical significance, as they were among the first flashpoints where ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted on May 3, 2023.
Human Cost: Displaced Families Forced to Flee Again
The sound of gunfire had an immediate and distressing human impact. Officials revealed that several displaced individuals, who had recently mustered the courage to return to their homes in the Phougakchao Ikhai vicinity after nearly two years of displacement, were forced to flee once more. This group, which included many women and children, sought refuge in safer locations following the Tuesday night shooting, highlighting the fragile sense of security in the region.
Security Review and Heightened Vigilance
The firing incident took place just hours after Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh concluded a visit to Churachandpur district. During his visit, the DGP chaired a comprehensive review meeting with senior officers to assess the prevailing security situation and the state of preparedness. A police statement confirmed that the meeting was aimed at evaluating the current law and order scenario.
In direct response to the night's events, authorities have now deployed additional security forces in the peripheral areas of Bishnupur. This move is intended to bolster confidence among the local population and deter any further attempts to disrupt the peace. The state administration continues to monitor the situation closely as it works to maintain stability in the restive region.
