Manipur once again witnessed a night of violence and fear, as fresh gunfights and bomb explosions erupted in two separate locations on Saturday. The escalating tension and use of sophisticated weaponry have resurfaced the growing complexity and danger of the ongoing crisis.
In Imphal West district, around 7 PM, Kuki militants launched a coordinated attack on Koutruk Ching Leikai village, using advanced firearms and explosives. State forces responded with heavy fire, resulting in a fierce exchange that lasted for four hours, Hindustan Times reported.
A chilling aspect of the confrontation was the deployment of a drone, suspected to be operated by Kuki militants from Bethel village. The drone, similar to one used in a bombing attack in early September, was quickly taken down by authorities.
Police have assured residents that CRPF personnel are fully prepared to counter any future drone threats.
Meanwhile, in Bishnupur district, police said suspected Kuki militants launched an attack on Tronglaobi village around 9:15 PM. The militants, firing from the Geljang and Molshang areas, targeted the village with a barrage of gunfire. State forces and village volunteers retaliated, leading to another intense exchange. This incident echoes a previous rocket attack on the village on September 6th, highlighting the persistent threat Kuki militants pose.
Despite the intensity of these confrontations, no casualties were reported in either incident. In a separate development, two PLA (People’s Liberation Army) cadres, N Priyo Singh (21) and S Devjit Singh (21), were apprehended by Assam Rifles near border pillar number 87 and handed over to Pallel Police Station, an official statement said.
