Fresh Violence Erupts in Manipur's Imphal East District
Imphal, Manipur – A new wave of tensions gripped the state on Friday as armed miscreants opened fire on a group of villagers who were collecting firewood in the Imphal East district. The incident, which occurred around 10 am, has heightened security concerns in an area already plagued by ethnic strife.
Details of the Attack on Villagers
According to local reports, the victims were Meitei villagers from three localities in Pukhao, a peripheral village in Imphal East that borders Kangpokpi district. They had ventured into a nearby forest to gather firewood, a routine activity essential for their livelihood. Significantly, the villagers were accompanied by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Manipur Rifles at the time of the attack.
Sources indicate that 10 to 12 shots were fired from an area suspected to be Changsang hill, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district. The sudden barrage forced the villagers to flee in panic, though fortunately, no casualties were reported. Following the incident, security measures were immediately intensified across the region to prevent further escalation.
Community Response and Heightened Tensions
In the aftermath of the firing, an 18-member delegation of villagers met with the Imphal East Superintendent of Police on Friday afternoon. They urgently sought steps to ensure their safety, emphasizing their dependence on the forest for daily sustenance and economic survival. This meeting underscored the growing anxiety among local residents as violence continues to disrupt normal life.
Meanwhile, separate reports emerged of heavy firing between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups at multiple locations in Ukhrul district since Thursday. Official sources confirmed that the firing persisted intermittently until Friday morning in the Sinakeithei area. These clashes are part of a broader pattern of tensions that have simmered since a drunken brawl in February, which later escalated into incidents of arson, abductions, and road blockades.
Government Action and Peace Efforts
In response to the escalating situation, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level review meeting at the new civil secretariat. This was the first such deliberation held at the venue and included key officials such as the chief secretary, Director General of Police, and security adviser. The discussions focused on strategies to strengthen peace, ensure stability, and accelerate inclusive development across the state.
Additionally, there are reports of a possible dialogue scheduled for Saturday between the chief minister and representatives of the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati. This meeting aims to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and foster reconciliation among the affected communities.
The incident in Imphal East highlights the fragile security environment in Manipur, where sporadic violence continues to threaten the livelihoods and safety of villagers. As authorities ramp up security and pursue diplomatic channels, the hope is to mitigate tensions and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
