On Monday, an incident of firing was reported in Manipur's Tengnoupal, prompting the Assam Rifles to launch an operation in the area. After the operation, a total of 13 bodies were discovered in the Tengnoupal district.
The unfolding of the incident took place around noon, according to an official statement. Following the deployment of forces to the location, specifically, Leithu village, the recovery of 13 bodies was confirmed. Importantly, no weapons were found near the bodies, as indicated by the official source.
The report further highlighted that the individuals found deceased in the Leithu area did not appear to be local residents, leading to speculation that they might have originated from elsewhere and engaged in a confrontation with another group. The identities of the deceased individuals remain unknown.
It is noteworthy that on December 3, the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the Tengnoupal district expressed their support for the recent 'Peace Agreement' between the Indian government and the Meitei militant faction, the UNLF (Pambei).
Meanwhile, the Manipur government, on Sunday, decided to restore mobile internet services across the state with certain limitations in effect until December 18. The relaxation in the suspension was attributed to an improvement in law and order conditions and the inconveniences faced by the public due to the mobile internet ban. However, mobile towers serving specific areas, including those between districts like Chandel and Kakching, Churachandpur and Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kakching, Kangpokpi and Imphal West, Kangpokpi and Imphal East, Kangpokpi and Thoubal, and Tengnoupal and Kakching, will continue to experience suspended operations.
The state of Manipur has grappled with recurrent episodes of violence since May, with over 180 casualties recorded. The clashes have been rooted in various grievances between different communities, notably triggered by issues such as the move to grant Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status (later rolled back) and attempts to relocate tribals from protected forest areas. The complex ethnic dynamics involve Meiteis, Nagas, and Kukis, with Meiteis constituting the majority in the Imphal Valley and tribals residing predominantly in the hill districts.
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