Imphal, Oct 20: Manipur Police and central security forces have launched intensified joint search operations across multiple districts after a fresh spate of violence left four people dead and several others injured, including three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, in less than 12 hours.
Manipur Police Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said state police, CoBRA units, CRPF, Assam Rifles and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are conducting operations in the affected areas with technical surveillance support.
“Operations are on in the area with joint teams of police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and BSF, and more int-based operations are in the offing on priority,” Lhatoo said.
He added that sniffer dogs, drones and helicopters are being deployed for surveillance. District contingency plans have also been activated, with joint checkpoints and mobile security teams placed on high alert.
The violence began around 11.20 pm on Sunday at Khangabok Palli Bazar under Thoubal Police Station, where stone-pelting by unidentified individuals during a musical event reportedly triggered clashes between residents of Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham.
By 12.40 am, one person had succumbed to bullet injuries at Raj Medicity hospital, while several others were injured. Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), CRPF and Assam Rifles, brought the situation under control by around 1.50 am.
In a separate incident at around 11.41 pm, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at Kakwa Lampak near Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West. Three CRPF personnel sustained critical injuries and were taken to Raj Medicity for treatment.
The deadliest incident occurred around 9.40 am on Monday at Sunulok Hill, ahead of Khongbal Tangkhul under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East. Unidentified armed militants allegedly opened fire on 14 Meitei villagers who were collecting and transporting firewood.
Three villagers died at the spot, while three others were injured and evacuated for medical treatment.
Lhatoo said police and security forces were acting on specific leads to identify those responsible and would take strict legal and operational action.
“Intensified action will be taken against all inimical elements involved in these incidents without fear or favor,” he said, adding that all necessary measures would be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
“We appeal to the public to remain calm, exercise restraint, and not take the law into their own hands,” Lhatoo said. He urged people not to believe or circulate unverified information, rumours or provocative content on social media.
Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic conflict and recurring violence since May 2023, primarily involving the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki-Zo communities in the hills. Despite the deployment of central security forces, several areas along the valley-hill divide remain volatile.
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