NEW DELHI: Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Saturday condemned “indiscriminate firing by Kuki militants” in two villages in Imphal East district that left civilians and security personnel injured. Calling for calm and unity in the face of fresh violence, Biren Singh said all necessary measures have been put in place to handle the situation.
“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 been rushed to the affected areas,” Biren Singh posted on X.
“The injured are receiving necessary medical assistance, and the government calls for calm and unity in the face of such challenges.
He also urged for better coordination and understanding between Central forces and state police in dealing with such situations.
This comes after at least two people, including a police officer, were injured during a gunfight with armed groups on Friday. The violence erupted when armed individuals from the hills carried out gun-and-bomb attacks on Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi villages in the district. Security forces responded, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
In Sanasabi village, two individuals sustained injuries during the clash. A 37-year-old police officer, K Haridash, suffered a bullet wound to his left shoulder and was rushed to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences around 3:30 PM.
Additionally, a “village volunteer” sustained minor hand injuries and was treated at a private hospital, where his condition was reported to be stable. Village volunteers had joined security forces in combating the armed attackers from the hills.
“Armed men positioned on hilltops began firing indiscriminately and hurling bombs around 10:45 AM in Sanasabi village and nearby areas, prompting security personnel to retaliate,” an officer was quoted as telling news agency PTI.
The attack caused chaos, with locals fleeing for safety. Another attack was reported in Thamnapokpi village around 11:30 AM, creating further panic among residents. Security forces, including CRPF personnel, managed to rescue several women, children, and elderly individuals trapped in the crossfire.
Since May last year, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.