Manipur violence

The complex tensions in Manipur have surged beyond the Meitei and Kuki-Zo conflict, drawing the Naga groups into a heated fray. Retired Lt Gen Prabin Kalita posits that external players may be exploiting the turmoil to further engage the Nagas, intensifying an already volatile situation.

The assassination of Manipur's foremost church leader heralds a critical juncture for the central government's attempt to reestablish stability. With elections approaching, an extensive mobilization of elite CRPF units, complete with advanced technology like drones and armored vehicles, is set to combat the prevalent gun culture and reinforce the rule of law in the tumultuous region.

In a passionate address, Okram Ibobi Singh, the president of the Manipur Congress, has pointed fingers at both the Central and state BJP administrations for the rising tide of violence in Kamjong, which has resulted in the destruction of over 20 homes.

Three Kuki church leaders were killed and four injured in an armed ambush in Manipur's Kangpokpi district while traveling to an inter-association ecclesiastical meeting. Community sources and the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust alleged involvement of NSCN-IM and ZUF, calling it a premeditated attack targeting peace efforts.

Suspected Myanmar-based Kuki militants attacked three Manipur villages near the Indo-Myanmar border early Thursday. A woman was shot, and over 20 houses were burnt in coordinated assaults on Choro, Wanglee, and Namlee. Residents fled, with some taking shelter in jungles. The Kuki National Army-Burma denied involvement, while former CM N. Biren Singh condemned it as cross-border terrorism.

In a fervent plea, the North East Students’ Organisation (Neso) has expressed deep distress over the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, calling for urgent measures to cease the violence. They emphasize the need for peace restoration and the unbearable pain inflicted on the community.

In a poignant display of solidarity, approximately 300 participants, predominantly Meitei women, gathered in Lakhipur, Cachar, for a candlelight vigil urging justice for the victims of the recent tumult in Manipur. This heartfelt procession followed the tragic loss of two young lives in a suspected militant ambush, as well as the regrettable fatalities from a security crackdown.

In a tragic turn of events, a militant ambush on NH-202 in Manipur's Ukhrul district has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a retired Army personnel. Three others sustained injuries in the attack that transpired on Saturday afternoon while a convoy made its way from Imphal to Ukhrul.

In a tragic turn of events in Bishnupur district, Manipur, a devastating bomb blast claimed the lives of two Meitei children and left their mother critically injured. The incident ignited widespread protests, which escalated tensions, prompting security forces to open fire, resulting in two additional casualties. To regain control, authorities have enforced a curfew and suspended internet access.

In the wake of recent unrest, Churachandpur district is grappling with a severe shortage of fuel and LPG. With all local depots closed and supplies at a standstill due to disrupted highway access, officials have convened an emergency meeting to brainstorm alternative transport solutions to remedy this pressing issue for local citizens.

In a devastating incident in Manipur's Ukhrul district, Border Security Force constable Mithun Mandal lost his life following a bullet wound during a violent clash between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki factions. Engaged in his patrol duties, Mandal incurred serious injuries that led to his death at a local hospital.

A powerful blast tore through a home in Bishnupur district, killing two young children, five-year-old Oinam Tomthin and his infant sister Oinam Yaisana, as they slept. Their mother is critically injured, and the incident has sparked widespread public outrage and protests against the ongoing violence in the region.

Protests erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district after a bomb attack killed two children. Residents took to the streets, torching vehicles and vandalizing police property. Security forces reportedly opened fire, injuring several demonstrators. The chief minister condemned the "barbaric act," as fears resurface in a region previously affected by ethnic conflict.

In a staunch call for justice, the Tribal Unity Committee has issued an ultimatum, demanding the swift arrest of those responsible for the killings of two Kuki civilians within the next 48 hours.

In a fervent demonstration at the Medical College in Churachandpur district, BJP supporters rallied in memory of MLA Vungzagin Valte, who succumbed to the effects of a long illness linked to alleged mob violence during the 2023 unrest in Manipur.

On Friday, the Central Village Defence Force invites the community of Churachandpur to join a solemn road march commemorating the heroes lost amidst the ongoing unrest, including BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte. With the powerful theme "Justice for All Martyrs and Expedite Political Solution," this event seeks to honor lives taken since May 3, 2023.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that 60 people were killed, 231 injured and 1,700 houses including religious places burnt in the ethnic violence that rocked the northeastern state for the past few days.

The CBI has set up a 53-member team, including 29 women with two of them of DIG rank, to probe manipur violence cases. The two women DIGs are Lovely Katiyar and Nirmala S in the team.

In fresh outbreak of violence and arson in Manipur, one person was killed, and two others injured in firing by suspected militants in separate incidents, even as an irate mob vandalized state PWD minister Govindas Konthoujam's house in Bishnupur district on Wednesday.

Like the other NE states, the Mizoram government too has been making all out efforts to evacuate Mizo students and others from strife-torn Imphal and the surrounding areas.

Over 1,000 people have fled violencehit Manipur to take shelter in the bordering Cachar district of Assam on Friday. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has asked the district administration to take care of them.

An Indian Army soldier has been injured after armed miscreants resorted to unprovoked firing from Kanto Sabal towards Chingmang village during the intervening night of June 18-19, Spear Corps, Indian Army said on Monday. While nine people were killed, over 10 sustained injuries in fresh violence in Manipur last week.

The Manipur government on Tuesday extended its ban on internet services till June 10, stated an order issued by commissioner (home) H Gyan Prakash.

Dressed in white and holding posters of “Manipur for Peace, Rally Against Divisive Forces”, many from the Meitei community gathered at Jantar Mantar on Sunday.

The Centre has constituted a three-member commission of inquiry headed by Justice (retd) Ajai Lamba as chairman to probe into the string of violent clashes triggered in Manipur since May 3, claiming more than 90 lives and leaving a trail of destruction.

Tripura government has opened a helpline for students studying in various educational institutions, including the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Central Agriculture University, Imphal, and professionals stranded in Manipur due to the sudden outbreak of violence and communal tension.

Various civil organisations in Nagaland, including church bodies, on Friday called for restoration of peace in Manipur.