1. Violence erupted in Manipur, notably at Moirangpurel in Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts.
2. The escalation follows two days of cross-firing in various districts, indicating a tense situation.
3. Clash between village volunteers from different communities intensified, raising concerns about the region’s stability.
Imphal, April 14: Violence erupted in Manipur, with heavy cross-firing reported at the tri-junction of Imphal East, Kangpokpi, and Ukhrul districts, particularly at Moirangpurel in Imphal East and Kangpokpi since 8 in the morning.
The escalation follows two days of cross-firing in Thoubal, Tengnoupal, and Kakching districts. The situation intensified at Moirangpurel, where village volunteers clashed between Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi and Meitei-dominated Imphal East.
Violence continued past 1 pm as village volunteers from the valley district retaliated against those from Kangpokpi.
Kuki village guards reportedly initiated the violence by firing rounds and shell explosives at 8:30 am from Kamuching under Maphou Dam PS, Kangpokpi district, towards Moirangpurel in Imphal East.
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In response, volunteers from Moirangpurel retaliated, resulting in the deaths of two Kuki village guards.
Government security agencies are controlling the situation, but tension remains high in the surrounding area.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Manipur on April 15 to campaign for BJP and NPF candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
It’s noteworthy that Shah visited the state last year during a peak conflict period, camping for around three days to assess the situation.
