Fresh Violence In Manipur's Bishnupur Area; 3 Dead

At least three people from the Meitei community in Kwakta area of Bishnupur, Manipur, were killed in fresh incidents of violence that were reported late on Friday. Haraothel and Senjam Chirang areas in which two persons including one security personnel sustained bullet injuries. Additionally, several houses belonging to the Kuki community were set ablaze during these violent incidents.

Tensions have escalated in the Kwakta area as heavy firing continues between the Kuki community and security forces, with Manipur Police and Commandos involved in the conflict. Tragically, three people from the Meitei community lost their lives, and a Manipur commando sustained a head injury in the ongoing gunfire.

The situation remains critical in Bishnupur following these recent acts of violence. The injured commando was taken to the Bishnupur hospital for treatment, while paramilitary forces have been deployed to the area.

According to police sources, the violence escalated when some individuals from the Meitei community crossed the buffer zone and opened fire on the Kuki areas. This buffer zone, guarded by central forces, is located over 2 km ahead of the Kwakta area in Bishnupur district.

Just two days prior to these incidents, clashes between armed forces and Meitei community protesters had left 17 people injured in Bishnupur district. In response to the escalating violence, the authorities of Imphal East and Imphal West had withdrawn earlier curfew relaxations and imposed restrictions during the day as a precautionary measure.

The root cause of the ethnic violence dates back nearly three months ago when over 160 people were killed and hundreds injured. It began on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Manipur is home to different ethnic groups, with Meiteis comprising approximately 53% of the population and residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and reside primarily in the hill districts.