Renewed violence erupts in Manipur amid gunfights and explosions

Manipur violence: On Saturday night, fresh violence broke out across Manipur as two villages faced intense gunfights and explosions, allegedly initiated by Kuki militants in Koutruk and Tronglaobi. The incidents, confirmed by local officials, underscore the escalating tensions and volatility in the region.

Attack in Koutruk Ching Leikai

Around 7 p.m., militants believed to be Kuki forces launched an assault in Koutruk Ching Leikai, a village in Imphal West district, within the Lamshang Police Station jurisdiction. Police reports indicate the attackers employed sophisticated firearms and explosive devices, triggering an immediate retaliation from state security forces. The ensuing gunfight stretched over four hours, marked by intermittent exchanges through the night.

“A drone, suspected to be launched from Bethel village and operated by Kuki militants, was sighted during the conflict,” a local resident of Koutruk Ching Leikai disclosed on condition of anonymity. The resident added that villagers now fear aerial strikes, as a similar drone incident occurred in early September. Fortunately, the drone was taken down shortly after being sighted. In response, Imphal West district police confirmed that Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel remain on heightened alert to intercept any unauthorized drones in the vicinity.

Simultaneous attack in Tronglaobi

Meanwhile, a second attack occurred around 9:15 p.m. in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district, located roughly six kilometers south of Moirang Police Station. Suspected Kuki militants reportedly opened fire from Geljang and Molshang, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. State police, supported by village volunteers, swiftly retaliated, containing the conflict. Tronglaobi, which experienced a rocket attack by Kuki militants on September 6, has remained on edge since. Thankfully, no casualties were reported in either of Saturday’s incidents.

PLA cadres detained in Tengnoupal

Separately, Assam Rifles apprehended two individuals associated with the banned group People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district. Identified as N. Priyo Singh (21) and S. Devjit Singh (21), the suspects were detained near border pillar 87 and subsequently handed over to Pallel Police Station.