New Delhi: Two persons were killed in a shootout that took place between two armed groups in Manipur's Imphal East district on Saturday. The identities of the deceased have not yet been ascertained, police said. The exchange of gunfire occurred near the border of the Kangpokpi district. In response to the situation, additional state and central forces have been deployed to control the unrest, as confirmed by a police official, news agency PTI reported.
This incident comes a day after three persons were injured in a gunfight between armed village volunteers and unidentified gunmen in Tengnoupal district.
Ethnic Clashes In Manipur
Till now, at least 219 people have been killed after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by Meitei community. The Meiteis, comprising approximately 53% of Manipur's population, primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kukis, constituting slightly over 40%, reside in the hill districts.
ALSO READ: Manipur Cop Abducted By Meiti Group From His Residence Amid Gunfire, Rescued Later
Congress Lodges Complaint With Manipur CEO Over Firing At Its Election Meeting
Meanwhile, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) urged the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur on Saturday to address an incident where anti-social elements allegedly fired shots during an election meeting for Congress Inner Manipur Lok Sabha candidate Angomcha Bimol Akoijam at Phairembam in Bishnupur district.
According to the MPCC's letter to the CEO, on Friday around 3:30 pm, approximately 400 to 500 individuals had assembled for an election-related public interaction when unidentified miscreants suddenly fired gunshots.
Additionally, the MPCC claimed that unknown gunmen threatened the organisers urging them to terminate the meeting and disperse immediately.
Requesting legal measures, the MPCC also called for the deployment of Central armed police personnel in valley areas, emphasising the heightened sensitivity of these zones during the upcoming elections.
Meantime, AICC in charge of Manipur, Tripura, and Nagaland, Girish Chodankar in a post on X said, "After knowing that Indian National Congress is winning both seats in Manipur, some elements are using gun firing to create fear among people and thus disturbing our Congress campaign." "We have already brought such type of incidents to the notice of the Chief Electoral Office several times and requested to take measures to stop threats," he said.