Fresh violence in Manipur claims 4 more lives, toll 6

New Delhi, Sep 07: Fresh violence in Manipur continued on Saturday, claiming four more lives and raising the death toll to six since Friday. Several people were also injured in new attacks allegedly carried out by militants across various districts in the state.

The four victims were killed in a gunfight between armed groups from the Meitei community and the hill-dominant Kuki tribes, according to sources. These groups, identifying themselves as “village defence volunteers,” have been involved in ongoing clashes.

In Jiribam district, about 7 km from its headquarters, an elderly man named Kulendra Singha was shot dead by suspected militants. Police reported that the attackers entered Singha’s house while he was alone and shot him in the head as he slept.

Following the killing, heavy gunfire erupted between two armed groups in the district’s hilly terrain. Police sources told The Assam Tribune that two more people were killed in the exchange, with the death toll expected to rise as firing continued throughout the morning.

Earlier on Friday night, a large mob reportedly stormed the Second Manipur Rifles and 7th Manipur Rifles complexes in Imphal West and Imphal East, attempting to seize weapons from the police armoury. To disperse the crowd, police and CRPF personnel fired several rounds and used mock bombs, tear gas, and pellet guns failing in their attempt to take away weapons. At least five people were injured in the clash and were admitted to nearby hospitals.

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Education Department has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges. “All Zonal Education Officers under the Department of Education-Schools, Manipur, are hereby directed to inform all concerned and take necessary actions accordingly,” read the notification issued on Friday.

Valley-based organizations have expressed concerns over the government’s perceived inability to protect the lives and property of residents. In protest against the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh-led government, the Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called for a “cease work and public curfew” on Saturday. As a result, markets in Imphal remained closed from early Saturday morning, and the streets were largely deserted. All educational institutions and business establishments were shut, severely disrupting normal life.

The ongoing violence in Manipur has its roots in ethnic tensions between the Meitei community, who primarily inhabit the valley regions, and the Kuki tribes, who are concentrated in the hill areas. The conflict escalated in May 2023 after the state government proposed to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, a move strongly opposed by the hill tribes, who fear losing their land and cultural identity.

The violence has since spiralled out of control, with intermittent clashes, killings, and large-scale displacement of people from both communities. Despite efforts to restore peace, the situation remains volatile, with the state government struggling to maintain order.