Fresh tensions engulfed Manipur after the death of two people belonging to the Meitei community. Their bodies were recovered in Haraothel village in Kangpokpi district’s border with Imphal West after heavy firing.
According to a statement by the army, the incident started at around 5:30 am on Thursday. "Unprovoked firing by Armed Rioters towards Village Haraothel commenced at 5.30 AM. Own troops deployed in the area immediately mobilised to prevent escalation of situation. While enroute to the site, own columns drew effective fire from armed rioters. Own troops responded in a calibrated manner to prevent any collateral damage," the army said.
The deaths sparked protests in Imphal, after one of the bodies was taken to Khwairamband ‘women’s market’ in the city in the evening, according to an Indian Express report. Visuals showed presence of police personnel in large numbers in different areas of Imphal.
A crowd also gathered near the regional office of BJP in Imphal, Manipur. Police used several rounds of tear gas shells to stop and disperse them. According to reports, protestors were chanting slogans against the Biren Singh government amid escalating violence in the state.
The fresh violence came amid Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Manipur. While he was on his way to Churachandpur to visit relief camps, Manipur police stopped his convoy fearing violence in the area. The Congress leader then took a chopper to reach the relief camps and interacted with the people.
Nearly 120 people have died and more than 3,000 injured in the ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3.
