Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Manipur violence news
2. Gunfight incident Manipur
A deadly gunfight at the border area between Imphal West district and Kangpokpi in Manipur resulted in one fatality and three injuries. The incident involved firing between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, with mortar shells hitting Koutruk village. The victim, identified as Lammang Kipgen, was from L Molsang village in Kangpokpi. The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) announced a 12-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district to protest against the killing. This incident follows a recent attack on CRPF personnel in Bishnupur district and blasts damaging a bridge in Kangpokpi. The violence comes amidst ongoing ethnic conflicts in Manipur, with recent disruptions during the state’s polling process.
Gunfight Erupts at Border Area Between Imphal West and Kangpokpi
One person was tragically killed and three others were injured in a violent gunfight that broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the border area between the Meitei-dominated Imphal West district and the Kuki-Zo-dominated Kangpokpi. The incident took place near Koutruk village, which has been a hotspot for conflict in Manipur.
Reports suggest that the village was hit with locally made mortar shells, causing panic among residents. Koutruk has been one of the worst-affected areas in Manipur since the eruption of violence on May 3, with frequent clashes between village volunteers of the two warring communities.
Identity of the Deceased
The victim of the gunfight was identified as Lammang Kipgen, a 44-year-old man from L Molsang village under Saitu-Gamphajol sub-division of Kangpokpi. He was a member of the Kuki-Zo community and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the region.
Outrage and Shutdown
Denouncing the killing of Lammang Kipgen, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills, announced a 12-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district as a mark of protest. The tribal body alleged that the attack on Kipgen was unprovoked and unjustified, vowing to honor his memory by burying him at the martyrs’ cemetery in Phaijang.
Recent Incidents of Violence
This latest gunfight comes on the heels of a previous incident where two CRPF personnel lost their lives and two others were injured in Bishnupur district due to a blast at an outpost. The region has been witnessing a series of violent events, including medium intensity blasts that damaged a bridge in Kangpokpi district, disrupting traffic on National Highway 2.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the recent spate of violence, adding to the sense of unease and tension in Manipur.
Political Context
The escalation of violence in Manipur comes at a critical time, as the state recently concluded polling for the second and final seat. The first phase of polling earlier in April was marred by incidents of gunfire near polling booths, damage to EVMs, and intimidation of election officials in parts of the Inner Manipur constituency.
The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur has raised concerns about the security situation in the region and the need for swift action to prevent further loss of life.