Manipur witnesses fresh violence on first day of 2025 in Imphal West

Amid new year celebrations, Manipur's Kadangband area, in Imphal West district witnessed a fresh attack in the early hours of January 1, police said.

Suspected militants from their hill positions in Kangpokpi district fired several rounds from sophisticated arms and hurled bombs at the low-lying Kadangband area in Imphal West district around 1 am, a police officer said.

Village volunteers deployed in the area returned the fire even as additional security forces were rushed to the area to control the situation. No injuries were reported in the firing, the police said.

The attack forced several villagers living in Kutcha homes to flee to safer places, they said.

Kadangband area has witnessed several attacks by suspected militants since violence broke out in the state in May 2023.