On Monday morning, three people were killed and three injured in what was an alleged attack made by ‘suspected Kuki militants’ in the Imphal East district, in the town of Uyumpok near Nongsum Hills in Imphal, Manipur. The incident happened around 9:30 am and has sparked worries regarding resurfacing tensions between communities of Kuki and Meitei after a brief spell of quiet.
Manipur MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh says the victims were out in one of the regions between Imphal East and Kangpokpi district – both which have a large Kuki-speaking community – to collect firewood.
The deceased have been identified as Arubam Ronil, locally known as Ronin, aged 35, son of Raja from Nongshum Mayai Leikai, Lairenlakpam Inaobi aged 44 son of Tombi from Uyumpok Nongshum Awang Leikai and Kshetrimayum Sushil aged 32 son of Ksh Deven from Uyumpok Mayai Leikai.
The three injured persons are Meisnam Somendro, 55, son of the late M. Borsing; Bonson Khingdram, 45 and Ngangom Suraj, 22, son of Ng. Dara. They are all being treated at Raj Medicity hospital, Imphal.
The attack has raised alarm over the unstable security situation in the state and led to a call to the authorities for their immediate intervention.
Manipur MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh responded to this incident by saying that immediate action had to be taken on it by the administration. He also demanded the closure of the suspension of operations (SoO) camp labeled Sinai Camp near where it’s located.
The attack and those who played a part in the attack are still under investigation. The incident would further increase ethnic tensions between the two communities of Meitei and Kuki, who have been in violent conflict with each other for a long time in Manipur.
Authorities are under renewed pressure to investigate the killings as well as to protect residents who live in vulnerable areas and to deter further killing.