Manipur Violence: Violence again in Manipur; Policeman killed, mob attacked security posts and looted weapons

The violence that has been going on for the last several months in Manipur does not seem to be curbed at the moment. According to reports, a police officer has died in the violence that broke out in Imphal West on Thursday. Mobs reportedly ransacked at least two security posts in the Bishnupur district on Thursday, looting arms and ammunition, including automatic guns.

Firing took place in Kautruk, Harothel, and Senjam Chirang areas.

According to the Manipur police, a mob of both men and women ransacked and looted weapons at the Keerenphabi police post and the Thangalwai police post of the 2nd Battalion of the Manipur Armed Police in Bishnupur district. The mob also tried to seize arms and ammunition from the Hengang and Singjamei police stations, but their attack was foiled by the security forces. An official statement said the exchange of fire between armed attackers and security forces took place in Kautruk, Harothel, and Senjam Chirang areas. Two people, including a security guard, were injured in the firing from both sides.

Manipur police constable dies after being shot in the head

A Manipur Police constable died after being shot in the head by a sniper at Senjam Chirang in Imphal West. A village volunteer was also injured in the crossfire by suspected terrorists at Kautruk and Senjam Chirang from nearby hill ranges. A huge crowd of 500-600 people gathered at Phugakchao Ikhai, located on the border between the Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts. Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and around 25 people suffered minor injuries. "During the last 24 hours, the situation in the state remained volatile and tense, with sporadic incidents of firing and unruly mob gathering taking place at various places," the police statement said.

1047 people were arrested

A total of 129 check posts were set up in both the hill and valley districts of Manipur. Around 1,047 people have been detained in various districts of the state in connection with the violation of the directions, police said. Miscreants looted over 300 arms and several rounds of ammunition from security forces in Manipur's Bishnupur district. In Manipur's Kangpokpi, demonstrations, mostly women, were held against the withdrawal of Assam Rifles personnel from parts of the district. Sporadic firing incidents were also reported in the Kangpokpi districts of Manipur. Authorities in Manipur have withdrawn orders for a partial relaxation of curfew in the district. Now there will be a complete curfew here.

Status quo order at Kuki-Jimi's proposed burial site

Hours before a mass burial of Kuki-Zomi people killed in Manipur's caste violence is planned, the High Court on Thursday ordered status quo at the proposed burial site in Churachandpur. The Kuki-Zomi organization on Thursday planned to bury 35 people killed in caste riots in the state at a site in Haolai Khopi village in Churachandpur district, resulting in tension in several districts of Manipur. A bench of Acting Chief Justice MV Muraleedharan and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma started the hearing at 6 am given the urgency of the matter. State and Central Governments and their law-enforcement agencies as well as the public were directed to maintain the status quo on the concerned land.

Clashes started in Manipur after a tribal solidarity march on May 3

After organizing a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Manipur Clashes started. At least more than 160 people have lost their lives in the state since then. The violence has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.

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