In the wake of fresh episodes of violence across various districts in Manipur, joint forces have undertaken extensive search operations in the state’s vulnerable and fringe regions, leading to the dismantling of seven illegal bunkers, the Manipur Police reported on Friday.
The turmoil led the administration to enforce a total curfew on Thursday in the twin districts of Imphal as a safety measure. However, recognizing the needs of its citizens, the state government eased the curfew in Imphal East and West districts for seven hours, starting at 5 am on Friday. The relaxation was intended to allow residents to procure essential commodities, including food and medicines.
Despite these efforts, violence persisted with an unfortunate incident late on Thursday, where Aribam Wahida Bibi, a 35-year-old woman, was wounded in a crossfire between unknown assailants and state forces at Terakhongsangbi in Bishnupur district.
Adding to the tensions, a mob raided the armoury of the 2nd India Reserve Battalion (IRB) located at Naranseina in Bishnupur district on Thursday. The looters made off with over 19,000 rounds of bullets of various calibres, an assortment of firearms, bulletproof vests, and 124 hand grenades, as reported by officials.
The situation further deteriorated as over 25 individuals were injured when Army and RAF personnel had to deploy tear gas to disperse processions in Kangvai and Phougakchao areas in Bishnupur, violating the restrictions on gatherings. The processions were part of a planned burial by the Kuki-Zomi organisation and Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum for the 35 victims of recent ethnic riots, which escalated tensions in multiple districts.
In an attempt to maintain peace, the High Court of Manipur ordered the status quo to be maintained at the proposed burial site. As Manipur navigates these volatile times, it underscores the necessity for a swift resolution to the state’s deep-seated ethnic strife.