Manipur: Unidentified Rioters Open Fire At Haraothel Village in Kangpokpi, Casualties Reported

Armed rioters opened fire in Haraothel village in Manipur on Thursday morning, the Indian Army said in a statement.

The swift action by the Army resulted in cessation of firing, said the Indian Army, adding that some casualties were also reported.

"Unprovoked firing by Armed Rioters towards village Haraothel in Manipur commenced at 5.30 AM. Own troops deployed in the area immediately mobilised to prevent escalation of the situation. While enroute to the site, own columns drew effective fire from armed rioters. Own troops responded in a calibrated manner to prevent any collateral damage. Swift action by troops resulted in the cessation of firing. Unconfirmed reports indicate some casualties. A build-up of large crowds in the area also reported", the statement of the Army said.

Violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

So far, nearly 120 people have lost their lives and over 3,000 are injured.

On the other hand, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is in Manipur to meet people displaced by the ethnic strife at relief camps on Thursday. Around 50,000 people are now staying in over 300 relief camps across the state since ethnic strife started in May this year.

However, his convoy which was on its way to Manipur's Churachandpur was stopped by local police at a check post near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from the State capital Imphal.

"Rahul Gandhi's visit to Moirang cancelled. The administration did not permit him to come to Moirang - neither by road nor by air. He could meet the violence-affected people only in Churachandpur. He is returning to Imphal and will stay the night there. There is no clarity on if he will be able to continue with his visits scheduled for tomorrow," Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra said.