At least two people were injured on Friday after violence returned to haunt strife-torn Manipur as heavy crossfire broke out in Sanasabi, Yaingangpokpi, Thamnapokpi, Sabungkhok Khunou, Shanti Khongbal and several other places in Manipur’s Imphal East District.
According to police, the gun and bomb attack began from the hillside at around 9.30 am and created panic among locals at Sanasabi village. While evacuating people from the village, at around 11.30 am, similar attacks were launched at Thamnapokpi, Yeingangpokpi and Shanti Khongbal. However, the security forces, including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, retaliated and also evacuated people to safer locations.
The security personnel deployed in the region retaliated, and it resulted in a fierce exchange of fire, said a senior police officer.
One police personnel identified as K Haridash (37) sustained bullet injuries to his left shoulder and was rushed to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS) at around 3.30 pm.
Another village volunteer, who sustained minor injury to his hand, was rushed to a private hospital and is said to be out of danger, said the police officer, adding that the situation is under control and the firing has stopped.
It should be mentioned that the latest round of gun fights in Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts and adjoining areas started on Christmas Eve and the situation remains grim.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in a statement given on Thursday, said he has instructed the Security Advisor and also the Director General of Police Manipur to strengthen security measures in Imphal East district.
For the past year and a half, Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills.
The conflict, which began in May 2023, has left over 250 people dead and displaced thousands.
