Fresh flare-up of violence hits Manipur ahead of Amit Shah’s visit; 2 killed

Violence escalated in Manipur today, with heavy cross-firing reported at the tri-junction of Imphal East, Kangpokpi, and Ukhrul districts, particularly at Moirangpurel in Imphal East and Kangpokpi since 8 in the morning.

Following two days of cross-firing in Thoubal, Tengnoupal and Kakching districts, the situation intensified at Moirangpurel where village volunteers from Kuki dominated Kangpokpi and Meitei dominated Imphal East clashed. The violence continued past 1pm as village volunteers from valley district retaliated against village guards from Kangpokpi.

According to reliable sources, Kuki village guards initiated the violence by unleashing a barrage of rounds and shell explosives at 8:30 am from Kamuching under Maphou Dam PS, Kangpokpi district, towards Moirangpurel in Imphal East. In a show of defiance, volunteers from Moirangpurel retaliated, resulting in death of two Kuki village guards.

The situation is under control with govt security agencies dominating the area. Tension remains high in the area surrounding the tri-junction of Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, and Imphal East.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting Manipur on April 15 to campaign for BJP and NPF candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. It may be mentioned that Amit Shah visited the state on May last year when the conflict was at peak and camped here for around 3 days  to take stock of situation.