Renewed Violence Erupts Between Naga and Kuki Villages in Imphal
Violence Breaks Out in Imphal
One of the three injured Kuki youths being taken to RIMS in Imphal, on Monday. (AT Photo)
Imphal, June 15: On Monday, fresh clashes erupted between the villages of Konsakhul, primarily inhabited by the Naga community, and Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki settlement, escalating tensions in the region.
Reports indicate that intense gunfire was exchanged between the two villages in Kangpokpi district, resulting in injuries to at least three individuals.
The injured, all identified as Kuki youths, were first taken to Leimakhong before being transferred to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for further medical attention.
The injured individuals have been named as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18), Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20), and Paogou Lal (18).
Sources report that one of the injured is in critical condition, while the other two are receiving treatment.
According to reports, the gunfire continued for several hours, leading security forces to deploy additional personnel to the area to manage the situation and prevent further violence.
The reasons behind this latest outbreak of violence remain unclear.
In the meantime, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has condemned what it referred to as the "bombing" of Leilon Vaiphei on June 15.
In a statement, the Kuki tribes' apex body accused the NSCN-IM and its affiliated group, ZUF-K, of carrying out the attack, claiming it endangered civilian lives, caused property damage, and disrupted peace in the area.
KIM described the alleged assault on a civilian area as unacceptable and inhumane, urging the government and security forces to take swift action to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.
The organization also called for increased security measures to protect civilians and prevent further incidents of violence.
As of now, there has been no response from NSCN-IM or ZUF-K regarding these allegations.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the incident, but security forces are reportedly increasing their presence in and around the affected area to restore normalcy and avert further clashes.
The situation remains tense as more details are awaited.