The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of reports regarding a recent incident in Leithao village, Tengnoupal district, Manipur, where at least 13 people were reportedly killed in a gunfight on December 4. The NHRC issued notices to the Manipur government and the state's police chief, expressing concern over the "alarming and disturbing" loss of lives in an area that had remained relatively calm since tensions erupted in May, as reported by PTI.
The rights panel, noting a possible "lapse" by law enforcement agencies, emphasized the duty of the state to protect citizens' lives and properties and promote unity among communities. The NHRC has received numerous complaints since May 2023, alleging human rights violations during incidents of violence in Manipur. These matters are under consideration by the full bench of the commission, with discussions held during a camp sitting in Guwahati, Assam, on November 17.
The NHRC has requested a detailed report within two weeks from the state's chief secretary and the director general of police, including the status of the police FIR and measures taken by the government to prevent such violence in the future. The statement also mentioned that no casualties were reported among the villagers in Leithao, raising suspicions that the victims could be militants from Myanmar, given the common route through the nearby hills.
This incident marks the highest single-day loss of life in the violence that has unfolded in Manipur throughout the year.
