Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh strongly condemned the latest attack in the Imphal East district that left several civilians and security personnel injured.
The violence occurred during a gunfight with armed assailants in Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi villages. Singh emphasized the need for calm and unity, assuring citizens that all necessary measures were being taken to address the situation.
In a social media post on X, the Chief Minister stated:
“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 added that additional security forces had been deployed to the affected areas and that the injured were receiving medical assistance. Singh also called for better coordination between central forces and state police to manage such incidents effectively.
Security and Anti-Poppy Operations Intensified
On Friday, a joint team comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, the Forest Department, and an Executive Magistrate destroyed 7 acres of illegal poppy plantations in the T. Lhanghoimol areas of Churachandpur district. An FIR has been filed, and efforts are underway to identify the cultivators.
In parallel, security forces have increased search operations and area domination in vulnerable hill and valley districts. Essential supplies were ensured with the movement of 115 vehicles along NH-37 and 326 vehicles along NH-2 under strict security convoys.
Manipur Police reported that 108 Nakas and checkpoints have been installed across the state to prevent further violence. No detentions were reported during recent operations.
Background of the Conflict
The ongoing violence in Manipur stems from tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which escalated after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 last year. The protest was against the Manipur High Court’s directive to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
The state government continues to focus on restoring peace and addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict.