Violence has erupted once again in Manipur, particularly in the northeastern state's Thoubal district, marking a distressing start to the new year. Reports indicated that on January 1, 4 individuals were allegedly shot dead, while an additional 14 sustained severe injuries. The casualties included three individuals who died instantly, with another succumbing to injuries en route to the hospital.
Among the deceased—Md Daulat (30), M Sirajuddin (50), Md Azad Khan (40), and Md Hussain (22)—whose bodies were brought to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for post-mortem examination, according to news agencies.
Here are the key developments we know at present:
- In response to the recent surge in violence, authorities re-implemented a curfew in five valley districts of Manipur: Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur.
- A Subhash, the District Magistrate, issued an order stating the immediate imposition of curfew in the entire revenue jurisdiction of Thoubal District, barring individuals from leaving their residences. Exceptions were made for essential services such as Health, PHED, MSPDCL/MSPCL, Municipalities, Print and Electronic Media, and the functioning of the Courts.
- Senior police officers confirmed the killings in Thoubal's Lilong neighbourhood, though they had not yet arrived at the scene when initial reports were dispatched. Local residents in Lilong verified the firing and shared images of the deceased victims.
- Police reported that the incident took place at Lilong Chingjao, where armed assailants opened fire on people following a dispute over forced collections. Reports suggested that the attackers, clad in police uniforms and equipped with sophisticated weapons, arrived in four vehicles, targeting local residents, predominantly Muslims.
- Additionally, several security personnel were injured in a recent gunfight in Manipur. Media reports indicated that in a separate attack by militants, four police commandos and a BSF jawan were injured in Moreh on January 2.
- According to an official statement, the attackers attempted to extort money from a local resident, sparking a confrontation. "They were later chased away by the locals, but fired upon while fleeing," the official said. Following the attack, enraged locals set fire to four vehicles used by the attackers, although the ownership of these vehicles remains unclear.
- Top government officials are slated to evaluate and decide on further curfew measures, commencing January 2.
- Responding to the fresh attack, Chief Minister N Biren Singh denounced the violence and urged residents of Lilong to maintain peace. He assured that the police are actively pursuing the culprits and vowed to punish them according to the law.
- Abdul Nasir, the MLA of Lilong constituency, stated that officials briefed him on the situation and assured swift apprehension of the culprits. Security measures have been heightened in the area as a precaution.
- Preceding these recent events, Manipur experienced turmoil on December 30, including clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups in Kangpokpi district resulting in a Meitei man's death. Another altercation involved Manipur police commandos and militants, leaving one commando injured in Moreh, a border town.
These incidents follow closely after a significant unrest episode on December 4 in the Tengnoupal district, resulting in the death of 13 individuals. Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, starting with the 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's Scheduled Tribe status demand, more than 180 casualties and several hundred injuries have been recorded.
Notably, Manipur's demographic composition comprises Meiteis, constituting approximately 53% of the population and primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, and Tribals—Nagas and Kukis—makeup slightly over 40%, predominantly inhabiting the hill districts.
(With inputs from agencies)
Image Source: PTI/X
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