In the past 24 hours, a wave of renewed violence has erupted in Manipur, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals, one of whom was a woman. The incident occurred during a late-night episode of firing in the Khamenlok area, military sources told the media.
Many of those wounded in the clashes have been swiftly transported to Imphal for medical treatment. The sources have revealed that some of the deceased individuals displayed signs of cut marks on their bodies, along with multiple bullet injuries.
This incident represents a significant setback in the ongoing endeavours to bring about peace in Manipur, as the state has been grappling with ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities for more than a month. In the aftermath of last night’s violence, there have been restrictions imposed on the relaxation of the curfew measures that were previously implemented.
Khamenlok, the site of the incident, is situated near the border of Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts. The area has been fraught with tension in recent days.
The ethnic clashes in Manipur have had a devastating toll, with approximately 100 lives lost and numerous individuals sustaining injuries. Additionally, the violence has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The root cause of the ongoing unrest can be traced back to protests organized by tribal organizations. These protests were in opposition to a proposed measure to grant Scheduled Tribes status to the Meitei community, which forms the majority in the region. This controversial move sparked tensions and escalated into violent confrontations between different ethnic groups within Manipur.
As of now, the situation in Manipur remains tense, with a curfew imposed in 11 out of the total 16 districts in the state. This measure has been taken to maintain public order and ensure the safety of the residents. In addition, the authorities have decided to suspend internet services throughout the state. This step has been taken to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation that could potentially exacerbate the violence or incite further unrest.
