On Friday, fresh gun and bomb attacks in the Imphal East district of Manipur left two people injured, including a policeman. The violence, attributed to armed militants from the hills, erupted in the villages of Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi, escalating tensions in a region already reeling from ethnic clashes. The attacks led to a gunfight between the militants and security forces, with the latter retaliating.
The incident took place around 10:45 AM when armed men from the hilltops initiated indiscriminate firing and threw bombs at Sanasabi village and the surrounding areas. As a result, a 37-year-old policeman, identified as K. Haridash, suffered bullet wounds to his left shoulder. He was promptly transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, where doctors confirmed that he would undergo a minor surgery.
Additionally, a “village volunteer,” who had joined the security personnel in the gunfight, sustained minor injuries. The volunteer’s hands were wounded, but he is currently out of danger after being taken to a private hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister’s Condemnation and Call for Coordination
Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, strongly condemned the attacks, calling them “cowardly and unprovoked.” He described the incident as an assault on peace and harmony, emphasizing the need for security forces to operate with proper coordination. In a statement on social media, Singh urged for unity in the face of such challenges and confirmed that additional security personnel were deployed to the affected areas.
Singh also noted that the injured individuals were receiving necessary medical care and called for calm in the region. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between central and state forces in managing the violence.
Security forces, including units from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), carried out rescue operations in the wake of the attack. Several women, children, and senior citizens caught in the crossfire were safely evacuated from the area.
Background on Manipur’s Ongoing Ethnic Conflict
The violence in Manipur is a continuation of the ethnic conflict that began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The clashes have led to widespread unrest, with over 250 deaths and thousands of people displaced. This ongoing strife has severely affected the region, creating a volatile environment where such attacks continue to disrupt daily life.
In a separate incident in Imphal West, a hand grenade was discovered in the compound of a doctor’s house in the Chingmeirong area. The grenade, along with a threatening note signed by the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), was found by police. The note, titled “KCP (PWG) last warning,” suggests that the threat may be related to extortion activities. Authorities are investigating the incident.
KCP’s Involvement in Extortion Activities
The Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), a banned militant outfit, is allegedly involved in extortion operations across the Imphal Valley. Their activities have contributed to the ongoing instability in the region, with various threats aimed at intimidating local populations and enforcing their demands.
Manipur continues to grapple with severe ethnic violence and security challenges. As tensions persist, the local government and law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to restore peace and security. The recent attacks serve as a reminder of the volatile situation in the state, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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