Kuki militants, who were camped at the hillside of Toronglaobi Maning Leikai, opened fire at the Security Forces at around 6.30 AM on May 11. During the heavy exchange of firing that continued till around 1 PM, one Bishnupur district Police Commando identified as H. Jiten Singh of Thanga Heisnam Leikai, Bishnupur district succumbed to injuries. While three Police Commando sustained injuries and four vehicles of Manipur Police Commando were also damaged.
Speaking to this reporter of Organiser, Shaktisen, OC of Bishnhnupur district Police Commando said that the security forces rushed to the spot after receiving a report of Kuki militants attacking local Meitei. While reaching Toronglaobi Maning Leikai Chingya, they (Kuki militants) opened fire at the security forces.
It is also added that a few Kuki militants also sustained injuries in retaliation by the State Security Forces. However, the number of casualties is not yet confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Economic blockade:
After the firing exchange between the Kuki militants and State Security Forces, the tension in Kuki-dominated areas has escalated. Thousands of Kuki with swords, spears, catapults and guns took to the street at Kangpokpi and blocked the National Highway-2 between Kangpokpii and Motbung.
The protestors have blocked the National Highway and hundreds of vehicles heading towards the state capital ferrying essential items were stranded at Kangpokpi and Senapati areas.
Burning of tyres, and placing logs and stones along the National Highway have been reported at Henbung and South Chawangbung till Kangpokpi town. The protestors burnt down a car at I. T Road near Downtown.
The blockade along the National Highway by the Kuki people is highly condemned by community leaders of Manipur.
“The state had witnessed the longest economic blockade for 139 days in 2017. Imposing economic blockade at this time of crisis will worsen the situation and nobody will get benefit out of it” said Rinku Khumukcham, Editor of Imphal Times while speaking to this reporter.
