Nine killed, ten injured in fresh caste violence in Manipur

Imphal: At least nine people were killed and 10 others injured when suspected militants attacked a village in Manipur’s ethnic conflict-hit Khamenlok area. The police gave this information on Wednesday. Militants armed with sophisticated weapons surrounded villagers in Khamelok area bordering Imphal East district and Kangpoki district and attacked at around 1 am, police said.

He said that the injured have been admitted to Imphal Hospital. The area lies along the borders of the Meitei-dominated Imphal East district and the tribal-dominated Kangpokpi district. Nine people were injured in the exchange of fire between militants and rural volunteers on Monday night in Khamenlok area.

He said the security forces had an encounter with Kuki militants at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Tuesday. Kuki terrorists were trying to build bunkers near Meitei areas when security forces challenged them, resulting in firing from both sides.

Meanwhile, the district authorities have relaxed the curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West from 5 am to 6 pm as usual from 5 am to 9 am.

A month ago, at least 100 people lost their lives and 310 others were injured in caste violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to restore peace in the state.

Curfew remained in force in 11 of Manipur’s 16 districts, while internet services remained suspended in the entire northeastern state.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meites constitute about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and mostly live in the Imphal Valley.

The tribal Nagas and Kukis constitute 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.