In Manipur's Imphal East district, a fresh gun and bomb attack left four people injured, including a video journalist. The attack occurred in the areas of Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi, prompting strong condemnation from the state’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh. The Chief Minister called the incident a "cowardly and unprovoked attack" on innocent lives and stressed that such actions undermine peace and harmony. He assured the public that adequate security forces had been dispatched to the affected regions and that the injured were receiving necessary medical treatment.
In his post on X, Singh said, "I strongly condemn the indiscriminate firing by Kuki militants at Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi in Imphal East, which injured civilians and security personnel. This cowardly and unprovoked attack on innocent lives is an assault on peace and harmony." He further urged for calm and unity, emphasizing the need for proper coordination between central forces and state police in managing such situations.
The violence began on Friday night when militants, allegedly from the Kuki faction, fired from the surrounding hills of Kangpokpi district, targeting the Thamnapokpi area. The attack injured an elderly woman, who was later taken to the Yaingangpokpi Primary Health Centre for treatment and was reported to be out of danger. On Saturday morning, a video journalist, K Kabichandra, working for a local TV channel, was struck by a bullet. His condition and details of his injuries have not been fully disclosed, but he is receiving medical care.
In addition to the journalist, two others, including a 37-year-old commando named K Haridas, were injured during the gunfire on Friday. Haridas was admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) for treatment.
The heavy gunfight persisted in the region, with firing intensifying at times. According to police reports, the initial gunfire ceased around 9 am, only to resume briefly around 1:20 pm. By then, security forces, consisting of Indian armed forces and local police, had conducted a combing operation in the hilly area where the militants had opened fire.
The attack has heightened tensions in the region, which has been grappling with ethnic violence and insurgent activities. The state and central governments are working to restore order, with heightened security measures in place. The situation remains volatile, with local authorities urging citizens to remain calm as investigations continue.
