New Delhi: Manipur continues to be gripped by a deadly cycle of violence, with fresh clashes claiming at least three lives in the Jiribam district. The latest uptick in violence, a grim reminder of the ongoing ethnic conflict in the northeast state, comes just a day after militants launched rocket attacks in Bishnupur, killing an elderly man and leaving five others injured.
The use of rockets, a first in the 17-month-long conflict, marks a significant escalation in the violence. Officials confirm that Kuki militants were responsible for the attacks, utilising “long-range rockets” that were at least four feet long.
According to a security officer stationed in the violence-hit region, the number of deaths could rise as both the communities have engaged in intense exchange of fires. Reports suggest that there are casualties from both Kuki and Meitei communities.”
The recent wave of violence, intensifying over the past five days, has spread fear and uncertainty throughout Manipur. Mobs attempted to loot weapons from the headquarters of the 2 Manipur Rifles and 7 Manipur Rifles on Friday night. The deep-rooted divisions and mistrust between the two communities have shown no sign of peace since the conflict started.
The Manipur administration has directed the closing of all educational institutions in the state on Saturday following the fresh violence.
The conflict, initially fueled by land disputes and political tensions, has been further worsened by the use of advanced weaponry, pushing the state towards a more precarious and dangerous precipice.
