Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Jiribam district today, leaving six people dead after suspected Kuki insurgents launched an attack on Nungchappi village. Among the fatalities was 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha. This incident occurred just a day after Kuki militants allegedly carried out a rocket-propelled bomb strike in Moirang, resulting in the death of an elderly Meitei man.
Five others lost their lives in a gunfight between Meitei armed groups and Kuki insurgents, with both sides referring to themselves as “village defense volunteers.” Jiribam police arrived at the scene and faced gunfire from militants but responded effectively to bring the situation under control, according to police reports.
Inspector General of Police (Intelligence), K Kabib, stated that Kuki militants have been attacking fringe areas, including Bishnupur and Churachandpur. Security forces responded by launching operations that destroyed two bunkers previously occupied by militants. The recent attacks have escalated concerns over the violence gripping the state.
Last month, Jiribam hosted peace talks between Meitei and Hmar leaders, which were notably boycotted by Kuki groups from Churachandpur, who argued that the talks did not adequately represent their interests and were influenced by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
In response to drone strikes by suspected Kuki insurgents, which marked the first use of drones in the conflict, authorities have now deployed an anti-drone system to secure the affected areas.
