Manipur– A violent gunfight erupted late Tuesday night between armed assailants and security forces in Agijang village, situated on the border between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur, India. According to police reports, nine individuals died on Wednesday, while ten others sustained injuries in the clash. The incident occurred due to ethnic violence that has plagued the region.
The confrontation unfolded when security forces swiftly responded to the arrival of the armed assailants in the village. Imphal East police superintendent K Shivakanta Singh confirmed that gunfire broke out between the two groups around 10-10:30 pm, leading to the tragic casualties. The injured individuals were immediately taken to a hospital, where one remains in critical condition. The security responsibility for the area where the violent incident occurred lies with the Assam Rifles.
Since the eruption of violence on May 3 between the tribal Kukis residing in the hill districts and the Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley, at least 115 people have lost their lives, and around 40,000 others have been displaced. The initial spark for the violence was a protest against a court order granting scheduled tribe status to the Meiteis, quickly escalating tensions throughout the state. In response, authorities imposed a curfew, suspended internet services, and deployed additional security forces to mitigate the clashes. However, tensions have continued to simmer.
Efforts to establish peace have faced challenges, as prominent civil society organizations from the Meitei and Kuki communities declined to participate in a peace committee recently formed by the Union government, led by Home Minister Amit Shah. The committee was established on June 1 as part of a broader strategy to alleviate regional tensions.