Manipur: Day After Home Minister Amit Shah's Visit, Militants Engage In Fire Exchange With Security Forces

The government issued a statement on Friday, reporting that the ethnic violence in the state, which began a month ago, has resulted in the deaths of at least 98 individuals, with 310 others injured.

A view of a damaged house at Loibol Khunou village amid ongoing tension in Manipur, in Kangpokpi district.

Source : PTI

Gun battles between security forces and insurgents were reported on Friday in various parts of Manipur. These incidents occurred just a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his visit to the ethnically troubled northeastern state, where he had appealed for peace and the restoration of normalcy.

Insurgents exchanged fire with security forces in the villages of Chandolpokpi, Tangjeng, Pombikhok, and Kamson in the Bishnupur district on Friday morning, a police officer told PTI. After militants attacked Tangjeng village, local residents fled their homes. In Bethel village, located in the Churachandpur district, houses were set ablaze. In the Kangchup Chingkhong area of Imphal West district, a gun battle took place between insurgents and security forces, according to PTI.

Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties in these incidents.

The government issued a statement on Friday, reporting that the ethnic violence in the state, which began a month ago, has resulted in the deaths of at least 98 individuals, with 310 others injured. Currently, 37,450 people are seeking shelter in 272 relief camps, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Judicial Probe, Peace Committee To Resolve Manipur Violence: HM Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced a judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice to inquire into the clashes which erupted in Manipur. He also announced that a peace committee under the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey with representatives of all political parties, the warring Kuki and Meitei communities and social organisations will be set up. The Home Minister also announced a CBI probe to investigate FIRs alleging five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur.

How Violence In Manipur Erupted 

The clashes initially erupted on May 3 following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meiteis, who makeup around 53% of Manipur's population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, have clashed with the Nagas and Kukis, who constitute approximately 40% of the population and live in the hill districts.

To restore peace, approximately 10,000 Army and Assam Rifles personnel have been deployed in the state.