IT News
Imphal, Dec 26:
On the evening of December 24, armed Kuki militants launched an attack on the Sinam, Sanjenlok, and Kongba Maru areas in Imphal East district. While Christians around the world, including those in various parts of Manipur, were preparing to celebrate Christmas, violence erupted again on December 25 as militants targeted Meitei villages in Thamnapokpi, Yaigangpopkpi, Shanti Khongbal, and Sabungkhok Village. The attack, which involved heavy gunfire and bombings, lasted for approximately six hours from 8 a.m.
State police and Border Security Force (BSF), supported by local village volunteers, responded to the assault. Villagers were forced to flee for their lives amidst the ongoing violence, a stark contrast to the Christmas celebrations occurring globally. According to local sources, there is a growing distrust among the villagers toward the Assam Rifles and Army personnel. This sentiment led Meira Paibis to block Assam Rifles vehicles from entering Sinam Village.
The violence began on December 24 afternoon when villagers were working in their paddy fields. Gunfire and explosions continued throughout the day, forcing residents to abandon their homes. An Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) post located nearby also responded to the attack, engaging in retaliatory fire that persisted until dawn.
Despite the intensity of the conflict, no official reports of casualties have been released from either side. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the precarious situation faced by local communities.
