“Fresh outbreak of violence in Manipur leaves Meitei man dead: Conflict between Kuki and Meitei communities escalates”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Manipur Witnesses Fresh Outbreak of Violence between Meitei and Kuki Groups

Manipur, a northeastern state in India, recently experienced a surge in violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The Kangpokpi district became the epicenter of this conflict, resulting in the tragic death of a Meitei man. Moreover, another incident involved a clash between Manipur police commandos and militants in the border town of Moreh, leaving one commando injured.

These two incidents occurred within a span of 26 days, following a previous strife on December 4 in the Tengnoupal district, which claimed the lives of 13 individuals. The escalation of violence in Manipur is a cause for concern, highlighting the need for immediate intervention and resolution.

According to senior police officials, the exchange of fire between village defense volunteers from the Kuki and Meitei communities took place on Saturday morning at around 3:30 am. The confrontation occurred between the hill ranges of Nakhujang and Singda Kuki villages, falling under the jurisdiction of the Kangchup police station. The exchange lasted for approximately 50 minutes, ceasing at around 4:20 am.

Tragically, Ningombam James, a resident of Imphal West, sustained critical injuries during the firing incident. He was rushed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal but succumbed to his injuries. The clash between the Kuki and Meitei communities reportedly began over the protection of forestland, with Meitei youths allegedly cutting firewood in a forest near a Kuki village. The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), an active Kuki organization in Kangpokpi, confirmed the clash and highlighted the encroachment issue.

In another incident on the same day, around 3:40 pm, a confrontation unfolded between Manipur police commandos and militants. The militants targeted a convoy of Manipur police commandos on the Imphal-Moreh highway near the Myanmar border. They threw explosives at the convoy, resulting in one commando sustaining injuries. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in this attack.

A police officer revealed that the exchange of fire between the militants and Manipur police commandos lasted from 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm. The injured commando received immediate medical attention and was rushed to the hospital. The officer further mentioned that the militants threw bombs and explosives at the convoy from the jungle side of the hills. Enhanced security measures have been implemented in Moreh to prevent future incidents.

Manipur police later confirmed both incidents through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the importance of public awareness and vigilance. The authorities are actively investigating these incidents to ensure the safety and security of the region.

The recent outbreak of violence in Manipur underscores the urgent need for peaceful resolution and harmony among different communities. The state government, along with local organizations and law enforcement agencies, must work together to address the root causes of these conflicts and promote dialogue for sustainable peace..