Three Dead As Violence Erupts In Manipur's Tengnoupal District

The unrest began when hundreds of people from the majority community attempted to storm tribal villages, leading to two initial fatalities and injuries to over 50 individuals, including an Army major. The confrontation escalated on Friday morning when a gunfight erupted at Molnoi village near Pallel, as armed persons sought to instigate violence and arson in the village.

In response to the gunfight, members of the Meitei community, including Meira Paibis and Arambai Tenggol militiamen in commando uniforms, attempted to breach security checkpoints and advance toward Pallel. Security forces intervened to maintain peace and stability, but some armed individuals, disguised as police personnel within the mob, opened fire, injuring an Army major and three other police officers.

Authorities, in a measured response, employed minimum force to disperse the mob, leading to injuries to over 45 women after teargas shells were used to defuse the situation. Unfortunately, the gunfight on Friday morning also claimed one life and resulted in the death of a 48-year-old man due to crossfire.

Further complicating the situation, a contingent of RAF personnel en route from Imphal to Pallel was obstructed by locals, including Meira Paibis, at Thoubal. These events unfolded in the wake of protests at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district, where thousands of demonstrators attempted to breach army barricades. While they claimed their intention was to reach deserted houses in Torbung, security sources alleged a more hostile agenda, involving attacks on tribal houses.

The backdrop to these recent incidents is the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3, when a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organized in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis, constituting around 53 percent of Manipur's population, predominantly inhabit the Imphal valley, while the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent of the population, mainly residing in the hill districts. Tragically, this ongoing strife has resulted in over 160 casualties and several hundred injuries, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and peace in the region.