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Violence flared up again in Manipur on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five people. An elderly Meitei man was killed, prompting a retaliatory attack that left four suspected Kuki militants dead in Jiribam district.
The violence erupted in Serou, Moljol, Rashidpur, and Nungchappi villages, with intermittent firing continuing until 10 a.m. Security forces, including Assam Rifles, central police, and local commandos, have been deployed to the affected areas. The situation remains tense, escalating the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
According to police, Kuki militants had been attacking various areas in Jiribam since Tuesday. One of the fresh violence in Manipur killed an elderly Meitei man while he was asleep. In retaliation, four Kuki militants were gunned down, although Kuki leaders claim they were village volunteers, not militants.
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On Friday, suspected Kuki militants targeted the home of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng in Bishnupur district. A bomb, lobbed at long range, killed a 78-year-old man and injured six others, including a 13-year-old girl. The bomb exploded while the victim, R.K. Rabei, was preparing for a religious ceremony. Koireng and his family were not home at the time.
Security forces have intensified counter-insurgency operations, destroying three bunkers in Churachandpur district. A military helicopter is conducting aerial patrols as police officials monitor the region.
