Imphal, Sept 01: In the past three days, Manipur’s Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts have witnessed a surge in violence, leaving at least five people dead and 20 others injured. Tragically, the casualties include a composer of a tribal unity song and a Village Defence Volunteer.
This surge in violence stems from ongoing gunfights between Kukis and Meiteis, with non-stop firing reported as recently as Thursday night. Although sources claim a higher death toll, officials have yet to confirm the exact numbers.
One of the victims was L.S. Mangboi Lhungdim, aged 50, known for composing the song “I Gam Hilou Ham (Is this not our land?)” following ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3. His compositions had become a rallying cry for tribal unity. The casualties also included VDV Jangminlun Gangte.
Gunfire continued in the foothills of Bishnupur and adjoining areas in Churachandpur district late into Thursday evening, following a fresh clash between rival ethnic groups that began early in the morning, according to police officials in Imphal.
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On Thursday, two individuals who sustained splinter injuries during the gunfire in Manipur’s Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts succumbed to their wounds. One youth, who had suffered head injuries from a bomb blast on Wednesday, tragically passed away while en route to a Guwahati hospital via Mizoram for medical treatment.
Another individual injured in Wednesday’s gunfire lost their life on Thursday while undergoing treatment at Churachandpur district hospital, according to a police official.
Defence sources revealed that the Army’s quick action team effectively thwarted an attempted arson incident near Leimakhong on Thursday evening. An army column near Chingmang village spotted flames and smoke emanating from an empty house. They quickly established a secure perimeter around the area.
Within a few minutes, three Army water bowsers arrived at the scene, and the fire was controlled and extinguished. Simultaneously, combing operations are ongoing to apprehend those involved in the attempted arson.
The Army’s swift action prevented the house from being engulfed in flames and halted the spread to neighboring houses.
In response to social media reports suggesting attacks on Lonphai, Khousabung, Kangvai, and Sugnu areas, Manipur Police issued a statement clarifying that there have been no such incidents in Kangvai and Sugnu. However, there was an exchange of fire in Lonphai and Khousabung, which security forces swiftly responded to, eventually quelling the firing.
The situation remains tense but under control, according to the police. In a separate statement, the police revealed that during search operations in Churachandpur, they recovered 20 bombs, three looted firearms, 20 different types of ammunition, and 30 grams of gunpowder.
