Imphal: Incidents of firing were reported from the periphery areas in trouble-torn Manipur on July 16. Multiple incidents of firing have been reported along the hill-valley border areas.
At least one person is feared dead in the firing incident in Thangbuh village in Kangpokpi, while reports of fresh firing are coming from Phailang village in the New Sekmai area in Kangpokpi.
On July 14, two individuals sustained pellet injuries on their bodies when one individual fired from his double barrel at Khoyathong Polem Leikai. The absconding accused person was arrested on July 16 from Yairipok Malom, Thoubal District and the weapon of offence was recovered.
On the other hand, the Committee on Tribal Unity has called for a 72-hour complete shutdown of National Highway tFwo from July 17 in protest against the burning of three trucks on July 15 and the attack and alleged torching of houses in Thangbuh village.
Meanwhile, 19 persons have been arrested/apprehended by Imphal West District Police in connection with torching three empty trucks at Awang Sekmai Mayai Leikai Lampak, Imphal West, on July 15. They were produced before the Duty Magistrate Imphal West on July 16 and July 17 of the arrested accused were remanded in police custody for four days. Two arrested accused who were underage were referred to the Juvenile Justice Board. Raids are continuing to arrest other accused persons.
It should be mentioned that on July 15, three empty trucks were intercepted by a mob from the IVR between Sekmai LPG Bottling Plant and NH-02 and set on fire at Awang Sekmai Mayai Leikai Lampak. Security forces dispersed the mob, and fire tenders prevented further damage. Raids were conducted, and many persons have been detained for further verification and necessary action.
On the other hand, nine persons, including five women, have been arrested by Imphal East District Police concerning the incident in which one woman was found dead at Keibi Heikakmapal Maning Ching on July 15. Two arms, five pieces of ammunition and one car were seized in connection with the case.
The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the killing of a 57-year-old Maring Naga woman at Sawombung (Ukhrul road), Imphal East District. The UNC has also demanded justice within 48 hours. Condemning the incident in strongest terms, the UNC has called for a 12-hour shutdown in all Naga-inhabited areas of violence-affected Manipur from 6 AM on July 17.
Along with these, security agencies continue search operations and raids in troubled, torn Manipur. During the last 24 hours, intermittent firing by armed miscreants was reported at a few places. Police and central forces launched an operation in the Phaileng area, Kangpokpi District and two arms and nine pieces of ammunition were recovered, and the miscreants were repelled. In the search operation conducted by District Police Thoubal in the Heirok area, 12 magazines and 25 ammunitions were recovered.
A total of 124 Nakas/ Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley. The Police detained 586 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State.
Along with these, during the last 48 hours, State Police and Central forces conducted search operations in the vulnerable and fringe areas of both valley and hill districts. Sixteen bunkers were destroyed, and two arms were recovered during the operations. A total of 126 Nakas/ Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley. The Police detained 628 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State.
Clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 2023, during the solidarity march by the Tribal Students Union against the listing of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list. Over 142 people have lost their lives in the ongoing violence, and more than 60,000 people were displaced.
