Violence erupted again in Manipur on Friday, injuring at least two people as intense crossfire broke out in multiple areas of Imphal East district. The conflict, which affected villages like Sanasabi, Yaingangpokpi, Thamnapokpi, Sabungkhok Khunou, and Shanti Khongbal, led to panic among residents.
According to police reports, gunfire and bomb attacks began around 9:30 am from the hillside, causing chaos in Sanasabi village. While evacuating residents, similar attacks occurred at 11:30 am in Thamnapokpi, Yeingangpokpi, and Shanti Khongbal. Security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), responded with a counterattack, resulting in heavy gunfire exchanges.
A police officer, identified as K Haridash (37), was injured with a bullet wound to his left shoulder and was taken to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) around 3:30 pm. A local volunteer sustained a minor hand injury and was treated at a private hospital but is reportedly out of danger. Police confirmed the situation is now under control, with firing having ceased.
The violence that began on Christmas Eve continues to affect the Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts, with the conflict between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo groups in surrounding hills remaining severe. Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, has directed security forces to bolster efforts in the region. The ethnic violence, which started in May 2023, has already claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.
