The clash between Phayeng and Singda villages witnessed intermittent firing, with initial reports mistakenly identifying the victim as a policeman, later clarified as a civilian found carrying a stolen rifle.
Tragic events unfolded in Manipur's Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts as violent clashes erupted, resulting in the death of a civilian and injuries to two others. The clash between the villages of Phayeng and Singda in the Kangchuk area witnessed intermittent firing, with a brief lull between 3 am and 6 am before the violence resumed.
Initial reports mistakenly identified the victim as a policeman, but it was later clarified that the deceased was a civilian found carrying a .303 rifle believed to be stolen from the police armoury. The body, along with the weapon, was recovered from the Geljang area during a joint search operation.
The deceased, Saikhom Suban Singh (26), hailed from Village Naoremthong Achom Leikai, situated 25 km away from the clash site in Imphal West district. As tension gripped Imphal city in the aftermath of the incident, paramilitary forces were deployed in the affected area, and business establishments remained shut, according to PTI.
The Assam Rifles has been managing a buffer zone between the two villages. Officials expressed concerns over the possibility of more casualties on both sides and stated that the true extent of the situation can only be determined once the firing ceases.
The state of Manipur has been plagued by ethnic violence since May 3 when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community.