According to police reports, violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district as unidentified miscreants opened fire on village volunteers, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. The incident occurred at Khoijumantabi village, located on the boundary of Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts.

Manipur Police stated that “Armed miscreants fired at the village volunteers stationed at Khoijumantabi Hills, where the volunteers were manning the main route to prevent outsiders from intruding into the village.”In response, the police launched an operation, forcing the assailants to flee.

Following the incident, the 12-hour curfew relaxation in Bishnupur was reduced to five hours, according to the state government's statement. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited the site along with security personnel to assess the situation.

Since May 3, when ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei community and tribal communities, particularly the Kukis, who primarily reside in the hill districts, Manipur has witnessed the deaths of at least 120 people, over 300 injuries, and displacement of nearly 40,000 individuals.

Meanwhile, the police reported the rescue of five civilians who were allegedly detained by villagers in Gwaltabi and Urangpat areas under the Yaingangpokpi police station. Security forces safely rescued the individuals and handed them over to the officer-in-charge of Yaingangpokpi.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) condemned the attack on tribal villages and stated that “five villagers had been kidnapped. The ITLF emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to ensure the safety and security of tribal communities in Outer Manipur, calling for President's rule in the state.”

This recent incident marks the second major killing within the week, following the deaths of two village volunteers in Senjam Chirang, located on the boundary of Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts.

In protest against the incident and in response to the government's failure to curb the violence, women vendors at the renowned Nupi Keithel market have announced a five-day closure of their businesses in Imphal. Consequently, the main market in Imphal, Khwairamband Keithel, and surrounding businesses have remained closed.

According to the Manipur Police, various checkpoints have been set up in different districts of the state, including both the hill and valley regions. Within the last 24 hours, three firearms and six bombs were recovered at these checkpoints.

Image source: Hindustan Times