3 killed in fresh Manipur clashes, tribal body calls 24-hr shutdown
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Imphal: Fresh violence between armed groups in Manipur’s Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts has left three people dead, including a woman, and several houses reportedly burnt, prompting a tribal organisation to announce a 24-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi from 6 pm on Saturday.
In Chassad village in Kamjong district, 42-year-old Domkhonei Touthang, a mother of five, died after being shot near the neck on Friday night. The incident was followed by exchanges of fire between armed Kuki and Naga groups, in which 23-year-old Michael Ngamminlen Haokip was killed. Ten houses were reportedly set ablaze.
Kuki organisations alleged that Touthang was shot while taking part in a protest against the alleged detention of village volunteers. The Kuki Human Rights Forum, Kuki Students’ Organisation and Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, condemned her killing and demanded action against those responsible.
In a separate incident, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai, a member of the Nepali community, was shot dead near Chepu Yaolen in Ukhrul district after suspected militants allegedly attacked his vehicle. Gunfire was also reported at Makui Ashang and Tapon along the IT Road in Kangpokpi, where houses were reportedly torched.
The Kamjong district administration imposed prohibitory restrictions within 400 metres of Chassad Police Gate Junction under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Police, however, rejected social media claims that the Kamjong police station had been burnt.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh claimed seven people had been killed in separate incidents and called for weapons recovery, action against armed groups and tighter India-Myanmar border security.
The Committee on Tribal Unity announced the shutdown, citing threats to civilian safety. More than 40 people have reportedly died and numerous houses been burnt since Kuki-Naga clashes began in February, mainly across five districts and parts of Senapati.
With IANS inputs