Manipur violence: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has lashed out at “Kuki militants” for the fresh spate of firing and bombing in Imphal East on Friday, in which at least two persons, including a policeman, were injured. The armed men from the hills launched fresh gun-and-bomb attacks in Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi villages in the district, police said.
In an X post, N Biren Singh “strongly condemned” the “indiscriminate firing by Kuki militants” in Imphal East, which injured civilians and security personnel. “This cowardly and unprovoked attack on innocent lives is an assault on peace and harmony. Adequate security personnel have been rushed to the affected areas. The injured are receiving necessary medical assistance, and the government calls for calm and unity in the face of such challenges. Central forces and state police should have proper coordination and understanding when dealing with such situations,” CM N Biren Singh said.
Strongly condemn the indiscriminate firing by Kuki militants at Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi in Imphal East, which injured civilians and security personnel. This cowardly and unprovoked attack on innocent lives is an assault on peace and harmony.
Adequate security personnel have…
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 27, 2024
The fresh attack by armed groups from the hills on the two villages in the district sparked panic in Imphal East. Two individuals, including a police officer, were injured in the attack. Security forces engaged the attackers, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire in both locations, the officer stated.
“Armed groups positioned on hilltops began firing indiscriminately and throwing explosives around 10:45 AM in Sanasabi village and nearby areas, prompting security personnel to respond,” the officer said.
One of the injured was a police constable, identified as 37-year-old K Haridash. He sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder and was transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences at approximately 3:30 PM, where he is set to undergo a minor surgery. Another individual, described as a ‘village volunteer,’ suffered minor hand injuries during the altercation and was taken to a private hospital. His condition is reported to be stable.
As gunfire erupted, residents of the affected areas fled in panic to seek safety. “Another attack occurred in Thamnapokpi village around 11:30 AM,” the officer added. Security forces, including personnel from the CRPF, successfully rescued several children, women, and elderly individuals trapped in the crossfire, news agency PTI reported.
In a separate development, two militants belonging to the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) were apprehended in Imphal West district, police announced on Friday. The individuals were allegedly involved in extortion activities and were arrested on Thursday in the Awang Wanagai Lamkhai area. “Two mobile phones and other items were confiscated from their possession,” the police statement noted.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, another clash erupted in Imphal East when armed groups positioned in the hilltops of Kangpokpi district targeted Sinam Kom village. The gunfight began when village volunteers stationed at the foothills retaliated. According to the police, additional security forces were deployed to the area following the incident.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday night, another firefight broke out between armed groups and security forces in Thamnapokpi and the adjacent Uyok Ching area of Imphal East.
Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence since May last year, with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities resulting in over 250 fatalities and the displacement of thousands.
