Militants open fire, hurl bombs as fresh violence hits Manipur

GUWAHATI: Fresh violence erupted Saturday night in Manipur ’s Imphal West and Bishnupur districts, with reports of suspected militants using sophisticated firearms and bombs in both attacks. No fatalities were reported.

Militants launched an attack around 7pm in Koutruk Ching Leikai village in Imphal West district, promoting retaliatory action from security forces stationed in the area. “The militants also triggered explosions in Koutruk,” a security source said.

Adding to the tension, residents of nearby Meitei-populated villages situated 5km to 7km from Koutruk reported sightings of drones in the evening. “We saw drones and it created panic. The militants used drones to launch an aerial attack in Koutruk on Sept 1,” a resident said. Security agencies are on high alert over the use of drones in and around the area.

Koutruk has remained one of the flashpoints since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The state’s sectarian strife has claimed more than 225 lives and displaced around 60,000 people, creating a deep divide between Kuki-Zo tribal people and Meiteis. In the second attack, militants targeted Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district, opening fire from Molngat and Molshang areas around 9pm.

Manipur police announced the arrest of two members of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the India-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal Sunday. The duo has been identified as Ningombam Priyo Singh and Saikhom Devjit Singh, both 21 years old.