Fresh violence leaves five dead in Manipur amid ongoing conflict
Imphal: Fresh violence has erupted in India’s Manipur state, resulting in the death of five individuals.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the latest incident occurred in Jiribam district.
Police said that the violence began when armed assailants entered the home of a man living alone and shot him while he was asleep. This initial killing triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire between the assailants and armed members of warring communities in the region, leading to the deaths of four additional armed individuals.
The ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei ethnic communities, which began on May 3, 2023, has already claimed hundreds of lives, mostly among Christians. The violence has displaced approximately 60,000 people, many of whom are still residing in relief camps or have fled to neighboring states such as Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Recently, audio tapes released by the news portal The Wire, and submitted to the Commission of Inquiry for Manipur Violence established by the Indian home ministry, have suggested potential direct involvement of BJP Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and his administration in the prolonged conflict.
