IMPHAL: Ethnic tensions have flared up once again in Manipur, with renewed violence erupting in the inter-districts of Thoubal and Tengnoupal.
For the second consecutive day, clashes have left two village volunteers from the Meitei community injured, including Ningthoujam Jamesh Singh (24) from Heirok part II Maning Leikai, Thoubal district, who is reported to be in critical condition.
The injured have been rushed to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal for urgent treatment.
Emerging reports suggest that the gunfire exchanges occurred in the villages of Heirok Ishigthingbi, Pengyang, Ingoulok, and Geljang, with armed individuals descending from the Pengang Kuki village hillslopes initiating the attack towards Ishingchaibi village.
This incident, which began around 11 pm on Thursday, resulted in a prolonged exchange of gunfire between volunteers from opposing groups, lasting until 9 am on Friday.
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While casualties on the opposing side are yet to be confirmed, the situation in these inter-districts remains tense, with reports indicating ongoing unrest.
This recent outbreak of violence comes after the Manipur government re-imposed curfew in Thoubal and Imphal West districts earlier this year, following clashes between unidentified armed groups and locals in the Lilong area of Thoubal district.
The clashes, which occurred on New Year’s Day, reportedly resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with their bodies yet to be recovered, according to police sources.
The clashes come at a crucial time, coinciding with a likely visit from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for campaigning on April 14.
Shah’s previous visit to Manipur was on May 29 last year, amid ethnic tensions, during which he stayed for three days.
However, his upcoming visit aligns with restrictions imposed by Arambai Tenggo, a prominent Meitei group, on election campaigning for the 18th Lok Sabha election, slated in two phases.
