A violent gunfight between two armed groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has resulted in one fatality and three injuries, sparking a flurry of accusations and political tensions in the region.
The clash began when gunmen launched an attack on Koutruk village in Imphal West district from hilltops in neighboring Kangpokpi. This prompted an armed response from a group in Koutruk, leading to a fierce gun battle that spilled over into adjacent villages like Kadangband and Senjam Chirang, according to police reports.
The Koutruk village, predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, has been a hotspot for ethnic clashes with the hill-dwelling Kuki tribes since May 2023. This recent incident adds to the ongoing tensions between these communities.
In the aftermath of the gunfight, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) representing the Kuki group in Kangpokpi has called for a 12-hour shutdown in protest against the violence.
This incident follows closely on the heels of an attack by suspected Kuki insurgents on a police camp in Bishnupur district, resulting in the deaths of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers. The motives behind these attacks and the identities of the perpetrators remain under investigation.
Security adviser Kuldiep Singh has indicated that leads are being pursued to identify the attackers, emphasizing the need for swift action and justice for the victims. However, both Meitei and Kuki civil society groups have engaged in a war of words, each accusing the other of orchestrating the violence to serve their own agendas.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur has alleged that valley-based insurgent groups might be behind the attacks to defame the Kuki community, while the Meitei Heritage Society (MHC) has pointed fingers at Kuki militants for escalating tensions and engaging in false flag operations.
The complexities of ethnic tensions, historical grievances, and the delicate balance of power in Manipur’s volatile landscape underscore the challenges faced in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Sources By Agencies
