Fresh violence erupts in Manipur's Imphal West district, houses set ablaze
Imphal, October 5: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur's Imphal West district, with at least two houses set ablaze and multiple gunshots fired, the police said on Thursday. The incident occurred in New Keithelmanbi, within the jurisdiction of the Patsoi police station, around 10 pm on Wednesday.
Following the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene, leading to increased tension in the area. Security forces and fire services personnel doused the .
In response to the incident, a group of Meitei women congregated in the vicinity, but security forces prevented them from advancing further. The authorities have deployed additional security, and the situation is currently under control, as reported by the police.
The region has been plagued by ethnic clashes since May 3, resulting in over 180 fatalities and numerous injuries. The conflicts began after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. In Manipur, Meiteis account for approximately 53 percent of the population, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, while the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up just over 40 percent and primarily inhabit the hill districts.
- With inputs from agencies
