Manipur: 3 Killed in Fresh Violence, Curfew Relaxed Imphal, Curtailed in Bishnupur

Guwahati: In yet another incident of fresh violence at least three persons were killed and many injured in a clash between the two communities along the border of the districts of Bishnupur and Churachandpur late on Saturday night.

Police said that the three residents belonging to the Meitei community were shot dead by unidentified armed men around midnight in the Khoijuman Tabi village of Bishnupur district. Those who died have been identified as Naorem Rajkumar (25), Haobam Ibomcha (37) and Ningombam Ibungcha (32).

Bishnupur Superintendent of Police Lourembam Bikram told reporters that those who died were “village volunteers”. “They were ambushed by some armed miscreants when they were guarding their houses,” he said.  

Local villagers of the Meitei community alleged that Kukis were behind the violence. Locals told reporters in Imphal that a group of nearly 30 Kuki miscreants attacked Khoijuman Tabi village just after midnight. They also  snatched away weapons that villagers had for guarding their village, locals said.

Meanwhile restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC were relaxed in the Imphal West district of violence-hit Manipur on Sunday.

The restrictions on the movement of people were imposed on May 3 after clashes broke out in the state, said the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate N Johnson Meetei on Saturday.

"… restriction of movement of general public outside their residences is hereby lifted for 2nd July, 2023 (Sunday) from 05:00 AM to 06:00 PM for all areas of Imphal West District," it said.

The decision was taken due to considerable improvement of law and order situation in the district, it said, adding that there is also a need to relax the restriction to allow people to purchase essential items, including medicines and food.

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey has also urged women of the state to restrain from blocking security forces on the roads.

Appealing for peace, she said on Saturday that she was deeply shocked and disheartened about the ethnic clash, which is still continuing.

The governor's statement came after the forces reported several incidents of road blockades in the strife-torn state during security operations.

"I, from the bottom of my heart, further appeal to you all, especially mothers and sisters, to restrain from blocking security forces on the roads as they are discharging their responsibilities for the safety of the people of the state," she said.

"Most importantly, everybody should not believe in spreading baseless rumours and should always try to desist it. All the issues can be and should be solved through a peaceful dialogue to restore the past peaceful atmosphere of the State," she added. (EOM)