Violence Erupts in Manipur: Three Lives Lost Amid Tribal Clashes

Tragic Incidents in Ukhrul District

Imphal: In a series of violent confrontations in Manipur's Ukhrul district, three individuals lost their lives due to gunfire involving rival tribal factions on Friday morning, according to officials.

The first incident occurred near Mullam village, where security personnel discovered two bodies around 11:25 AM. The victims, identified as L Sitlhou and P Haolai, were found wearing camouflage clothing and had sustained gunshot wounds.

Earlier that morning, around 5:30 AM, a fierce gunfight erupted between armed groups in Mullam village, leading to the destruction of several nearby homes.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust condemned the deaths of the 'two village volunteers' and the arson incidents in Mullam and Songphal villages, calling for an immediate FIR and a prompt investigation.

In a separate attack, a 29-year-old man named H Jamang from Chatric Khullen in Kamjong district was ambushed and killed by militants near Sinakeithei village early Friday. His body has since been recovered.

The Tangkhul Naga Long, representing the Tangkhul Naga community, expressed deep sorrow over Jamang's death, stating that Naga village guards were ambushed while patrolling the area due to ongoing tensions with armed Kuki groups.

Tensions have escalated in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts following the ambush of a civilian convoy on April 18, which resulted in the deaths of two Tangkhul Naga civilians, including a retired army officer. While Tangkhul Naga groups have accused Kuki militants of the attack, Kuki organizations have denied any involvement.

Political Turmoil in Punjab

In a related political development, AAP national leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of betraying the people of Punjab after seven Rajya Sabha MPs announced their departure from the party.

Kejriwal took to social media platform X to express his discontent, stating, 'The BJP has once again betrayed Punjabis.'

During a joint press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak confirmed their switch to the BJP, with Chadha revealing that nearly two-thirds of AAP's Rajya Sabha members were leaving to form a separate faction within the BJP.

He also mentioned that several prominent figures, including former cricketer Harbhajan Singh and party leader Swati Maliwal, had resigned from AAP, with seven out of ten Rajya Sabha MPs choosing to exit the party.