IMPHAL: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur, pushing the trouble-hit state to another delicate situation. The Meitei women were shot dead by militants and a string of violent incidents left several people wounded and put security forces on high alert across the state.
The deadliest attack happened when a group of about 14 Meitei villagers were attacked by armed militants in Kangpokpi district. They had gone to the hills near Khongbal Tangkhul to cut and carry firewood. Suspected Kuki armed militants opened fire on them at Sunulok Hill, which falls under the Sagolmang police station. Three villagers died of bullet wounds. Police initially reported four others injured, though the ADGP’s later briefing put the number at three. The wounded were evacuated and are receiving treatment.
The violence began the night before. Around 11:20 p.m. on October 18, an incident of stone pelting took place during a musical night at Khangabok Pali Bazar in Thoubal district, and tempers flared between two communities. Residents of Khangabok and Sangakpham were soon drawn in, and the confrontation turned violent. One man was shot and died at Raj Medicity hospital at about 12:40 a.m., while several others were hurt. Reinforcements, including the Rapid Action Force, CRPF and Assam Rifles, were rushed in, and the situation was brought under control by roughly 1:50 a.m.
In a separate incident, an improvised explosive device went off at Kakwa Lamdaibung Lampak, near Singjamai police station. Three CRPF personnel were seriously injured and admitted to Raj Medicity.
Briefing reporters in Imphal, ADGP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo called the episodes “unfortunate” and said investigators were already working on leads. Police are identifying and questioning witnesses in the Thoubal case and searching for illegal weapons in the area. In the firewood-collector killings, he said, “various inputs” about those responsible have been received.
Security has been stepped up considerably. Joint teams of police, CoBRA commandos of CRPF, Assam Rifles and BSF are carrying out operations in the area around Sagolmang, with sniffer dogs and drones deployed and helicopter surveillance under way. Joint checkpoints and mobile checkposts have been set up, and district contingency plans have been activated.
Lhatoo promised action against those involved “without fear or favor” and said every legal and operational step would be taken to bring them to justice. He also urged the public to stay calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and refrain from sharing unverified claims, rumours or provocative posts on social media, warning that these could worsen tensions.
Residents have been asked to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the central control room. Police said further updates would follow once information is verified.
