Recent violence in Manipur’s Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts has resulted in at least five deaths and 18 injuries over the past 72 hours. The clash stems from an ongoing gun battle between the Kuki and Meitei ethnic groups.
The conflict began on August 29, with heavy firing in the Khoirentak area resulting in the death of a village volunteer. The situation escalated, and fresh rounds of firing occurred on Thursday after a temporary pause on Wednesday evening. The gunfight persists in the foothills of Khoirentak and the adjacent Chingphei and Khousabung regions.
Among the casualties, one individual succumbed to bomb splinter injuries during transport to Guwahati via Mizoram. Another injured person, who had sustained splinter injuries, died on Thursday morning at Churachandpur district hospital.
Of the five individuals with splinter injuries sustained in the Chingphei area on Wednesday evening, three were brought to Churachandpur district hospital. Their injuries varied, with one struck in the head and the others wounded in their shoulders, legs, and back.
In previous incidents near Narainsena village in Bishnupur, two men were killed and six injured. One fatality resulted from a bullet wound, while the other occurred due to a misfired homemade gun.
Amid the violence, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) called for an immediate shutdown in Churachandpur, excluding essential services such as water and medical supply. The ITLF highlighted the toll of ongoing violence, which has now reached five deaths.
Tensions have risen as tribal areas face mortar shell attacks, allegedly sourced from police stations and armories, leading to significant tribal casualties. The ITLF emphasized the need for the government and security forces to prioritize the retrieval of stolen weapons from the Meitei community.
These continuous attacks are perceived as an attempt to disrupt political talks between tribal groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements and the central government. The most recent round of talks began on Thursday and is set to continue on Friday.
Security forces have conducted search operations in vulnerable areas of Kangpokpi, Thoubal, Churachandpur, and Imphal-West districts, resulting in the recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives, and IED material. The police have also established checkpoints (nakas) and detained numerous individuals in connection with various violations.
Ethnic violence in Manipur initially erupted on May 3 during a “Tribal Solidarity March,” organized in response to the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The conflict primarily involves the Meiteis, who constitute around 53% of the population, and the Nagas and Kukis, who account for about 40% and mainly reside in the hill districts. Over 160 people have died, and many more have been injured since the outbreak of the violence.
