Manipur violence: Attack by armed miscreants forces Meitei villagers to flee

Imphal: Many Meitei villagers, primarily women and children, were forced to flee their homes in terror on Tuesday night when suspected armed assailants launched an attack on their villages in Imphal East district of Manipur, according to officials.

The attackers, positioned in higher locations, used long-range weapons to open fire and launch bombs targeting the Meitei villages of Sabungpok Khunou, Thamnapokpi, and Sanasabi in the Lamlai Assembly constituency around 8:30 PM.

The assault prompted state forces and a small number of village volunteers to retaliate.

The exchange of gunfire persisted until approximately 9:50 PM.

These villages are situated near the Kangpokpi district of Manipur, which is predominantly inhabited by the Kuki tribes.

The Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur have been embroiled in violent conflicts since May 3, 2023.

The attacks were reportedly launched from three directions—P Phaimol, Thamnabpokpi, and Uyokching-Hiyangpat—using a combination of bombs and live ammunition.

The hour-and-a-half-long assault caused damage to several homes in Thamnapokpi village.

Bullets penetrated the walls of residences belonging to Heikrujam Memcha Devi, Lairenlakpam Ngangbiton, Moirangtham Chaoba, Moirangthem Noren, Laishram Sarita, and A Ghanashyam.

On Wednesday, Heikrujam Memcha Devi spoke to reporters, highlighting the villagers' urgent demand for enhanced security measures.

She expressed the community's intent to approach the local MLA for effective solutions.

Devi also displayed a bullet that had struck the wall of her house during the attack.

Meanwhile, Manipur police confirmed that a case has been registered in connection with the incident.