Firing in Manipur: Assam Rifles recover 13 bodies

Imphal: Conflict hit Manipur reports fresh firing incident in Tengnoupal on Monday and Assam Rifles recover 13 dead bodies after that in an operation conducted in the area, reports India Today.

An official account stated that the firing incident occurred around noon. The thirteen bodies were found in Leithu village, and the identities of the deceased are still unknown.

On Sunday, the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the Tengnoupal district welcomed the recent 'Peace Agreement' between the Indian government and the Meitei militant faction, the UNLF (Pambei). On the day, the state government had restored mobile internet services, except in a few areas, up to December 18.

The state government notification stated that it is lifting the mobile internet ban as it saw that the law and order situation has been improved. Also, The inconveniences of the people are being considered.

However, services with a 2km radius in the adjoining areas between districts such as Chandel and Kakching, Churachandpur and Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kakching, Kangpokpi and Imphal West, Kangpokpi and Imphal East, Kangpokpi and Thoubal and Tengnoupal and Kakching will remain suspended. Mobile internet services have been suspended in the area since May 3 after a breakout of violence in the state.

Since May 3, the state has witnessed repeated violent incidents, and more than 180 people have been killed since then.

There were many issues among tribals in the state, but the May 3rd outbreak was linked to the move to grand Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status. Post the start of violence, the move was retraced.