Manipur Violence: Two Killed, Seven Injured In Fresh Firing Between Rival Outfits In Bishnupur

In a separate development, officials confirmed the apprehension of four militants from disparate factions in operations carried out across Imphal East and Bishnupur districts. The operations yielded the confiscation of a cache of arms and ammunition. Of the detained militants, two were affiliated with the NSCN-IM, one with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and the remaining two were identified as overground workers linked to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP).

Security forces conducted targeted search operations in vulnerable areas spanning five valley districts. Notably, the successful operations led to the recovery of seven looted firearms, an assortment of 25 ammunition varieties, and nine potent explosive devices. These discoveries were made within the past 24 hours from districts encompassing Bishnupur and Thoubal.

The ongoing violence has cast a somber shadow over the entire Manipur state for over four months. To regain control over the escalating situation, the central government found it necessary to deploy paramilitary forces. The turmoil that initially emerged following a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 has persisted and intensified, resulting in a death toll surpassing 160 individuals. Moreover, hundreds have sustained injuries as a consequence of clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The alarming escalation of violence and the persisting clashes underscore the pressing need for both local and national authorities to address the underlying tensions fueling these conflicts. The safety and security of Manipur's citizens remain of paramount concern, and concerted efforts are anticipated to mitigate the ongoing crisis.