At least nine villagers were killed and 10 others were injured in an assault on Khamelock village in Imphal East district of Manipur, allegedly carried out by suspected militants. According to reports, the attackers used automatic weapons and targeted the villagers without discrimination. Unofficial sources, however, state that the number of fatalities may be as high as 11.
The victims, who were either asleep or had just finished their dinner, were subjected to a sudden barrage of bullets from the sophisticated firearms wielded by the extremists. The wounded individuals were promptly transported to different hospitals for treatment. According to the news agency, the death toll is expected to rise due to the critical condition of several of the injured.
The militants, armed with sophisticated weaponry, surrounded the village and launched the assault during the late hours of Tuesday night. The injured individuals were promptly transported to various hospitals, and the death toll is expected to rise as several wounded victims are in critical condition. The affected area is situated on the border between Imphal East district, predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, and Kangpokpi district, which has a larger tribal population.
Prior to this incident, a gunfight took place on Monday night in the Khamenlok area, resulting in injuries to nine people during an exchange of fire between militants and village volunteers. Additionally, security forces engaged in a firefight with Kuki militants in the Bishnupur district on Tuesday. The clash occurred when the Kuki militants attempted to establish bunkers near Meitei settlements and were confronted by the security forces.
In response to the ongoing violence, authorities have imposed curfews in 11 out of the 16 districts in Manipur, with limited relaxation hours. Internet services have been suspended throughout the state. The unrest in Manipur began a month ago with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in approximately 100 deaths and 310 injuries. The army and paramilitary forces have been deployed to restore peace in the region.
The initial clashes erupted on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meiteis comprise around 53% of Manipur’s population and mainly reside in the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kukis, both tribal groups, make up about 40% of the population and predominantly inhabit the hill districts.
