Clashes between armed village volunteers and unidentified miscreants in various parts of Manipur resulted in at least three individuals sustaining injuries, as confirmed by the police on Friday. These incidents occurred in Heirok and Pallel, situated in the peripheral regions of Thoubal, Tengnoupal, and Kakching districts.Â
The unrest began late on Thursday evening when unidentified gunmen fired toward Heirok village, prompting the village volunteers to retaliate. Consequently, two village volunteers from Heirok were injured during the ensuing exchange of fire.Â
On Friday, the conflict escalated as village volunteers and residents of Heirok confronted the gunmen, resulting in heavy firing from both sides and leading to the injury of another village volunteer. Security forces, including Manipur Police and commando units, promptly responded to the clashes, engaging in retaliatory actions against the gunmen.
In a separate incident in Pallel, Kakching district, armed miscreants set fire to a sawmill. Following this incident, security forces conducted a search operation, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of four weapons.
Tensions persist in the Kakching, Thoubal, and Tengnoupal districts of Manipur amidst the ongoing unrest.Â
It's important to note that Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3 last year, triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence has resulted in over 100 casualties and the displacement of tens of thousands of individuals, according to government estimates, with unofficial figures suggesting even higher numbers.
