IT News
Imphal, Dec 27:
Despite the heavy deployment of central security forces in Manipur, heavily armed Kuki militants launched attacks on Meitei villages near the state’s periphery on the morning of December 24. The violence unfolded as the global Christian community, including those in Manipur, celebrated Christmas Day.
Residents of Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi villages in Imphal East district reported relentless gunfire and explosions emanating from hilltops in Kangpokpi district. Videos shared on social media by villagers captured the sounds of automatic gunfire, bomb detonations, and terrified shouts urging people to take cover in pits. Many residents from the affected areas fled to seek shelter in Yangangpokpi, while others remained hidden in safer parts of their villages.
Villagers expressed frustration and anger at the government’s inability to contain the ongoing violence. A Thamnapokpi resident said they had repeatedly informed authorities about the frequent attacks by Kuki militants but claimed no effective measures were taken, aside from deploying central forces who, according to them, often acted as “mute spectators” during the assaults. A woman from the village added that while security forces occasionally retaliated, their response was inconsistent and insufficient.
In the afternoon, similar attacks occurred in Shantikhongbal, Sabungkhok, Khunou Sanasabi, and Sinam Kom villages, also in Imphal East. Militants used bombs and machine guns to target residential areas. Although police and central forces engaged in retaliatory actions, locals expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled.
