Two abandoned houses were engulfed in flames on Thursday afternoon, the aftermath of a violent attack that took place in the Khamenlok area a day earlier. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine people and left ten others injured, intensifying the unrest in Manipur, according to PTI.
Security forces, deployed in Imphal, confronted the mob with force and fired tear gas shells in an attempt to quell the violence at New Checkon. Thankfully, no casualties were reported as the targeted houses had been vacated due to the ongoing ethnic violence that erupted in the northeastern state a month ago.
Amidst the escalating turmoil, the army and Assam Rifles have stepped up their "area domination" operations in response to the recent surge in violence. Patrolling has been intensified, with barriers dismantled across various locations to ensure stability and security.
The Spear Corps of the Indian Army, responsible for operations in Manipur, took to social media to provide updates, stating, "Enhanced Area Domination Operations by Army and Assam Rifles are being undertaken in the aftermath of the recent spurt in violence." They emphasized their commitment to establishing control over fringe areas and higher reaches through sustained operations.
In the wake of the attack on a Kuki village in the Khamenlok area, which occurred during the early hours of Wednesday, security forces have redoubled their efforts. Nine people lost their lives, and ten others were injured in the ensuing gunbattle between the assailants and villagers.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, unidentified miscreants targeted the official quarters of Manipur minister Nemcha Kipgen in the Lamphel area of Imphal West district on Wednesday evening. Prompt action by firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring structures.
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed more than 100 lives since it erupted a month ago. To curb the spread of rumors and misinformation, the state government has imposed curfews in 11 districts and implemented an internet ban.
The clashes initially erupted on May 3 during a "Tribal Solidarity March" held in the hill districts, opposing the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. With Meiteis comprising around 53 percent of Manipur's population and residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, and Nagas and Kukis constituting approximately 40 percent and residing in the hill districts, ethnic tensions have heightened.
