In a tragic turn of events, five individuals were fatally shot, and four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained injuries during ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. The incident took place at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou, resulting in the deaths of Meiteis, including a man and his 60-year-old father, Oinam Manitomba (37), and Thiyam Somen (56). Bishnupur Superintendent of Police, Meghachandra Singh, confirmed the casualties, adding that the bodies were sent for postmortem.
This marks the latest episode in a series of violent clashes in the northeastern state, with at least seven people killed, including two police commandos, since Wednesday. The police are actively investigating the recent attack on the Meitei individuals, who were reportedly tilling a farm when they came under armed assault.
In a separate incident, a gunfight erupted in Kangchup, Imphal West district, leading to the death of a 23-year-old Meitei, Takhelambam Manoranjan. The rising toll of violence prompted large-scale protests in Imphal, where women rallied against the ongoing unrest, demanding the removal of Unified Command Chairman Kuldiep Singh.
The Unified Command, responsible for coordinating state and central forces, has faced criticism, with protesters highlighting security concerns. Singh acknowledged the vulnerability of three state police commando units due to their current locations, announcing plans to relocate them to more secure areas within the border town.
The roots of Manipur’s ethnic tensions trace back to May of the previous year, triggered by the ‘Tribal Solidarity March.’ The march aimed to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis, constituting 53% of the population and residing predominantly in the Imphal Valley, clashed with tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, who make up 40% and predominantly live in the hill districts.
The ongoing strife has claimed over 180 lives, prompting heightened concerns about the region’s stability. As investigations into the recent violence continue, the Manipur government faces the challenging task of addressing the underlying causes and fostering peace among the diverse communities in the state.
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