A senior police officer who does not want to be named told ET, “The incident took place around 6.50pm in the Wangkhei area of Imphal East. Cross firing is said to be near the residence of Additional SP in the Wakhei Area of Imphal East. A team of army, Assam Rifles and state police forces have rushed to the area. It is yet to be ascertained who carried out the attack and the reason behind it. Two civilians are injured.”
As Manipur is witnessing several months long violence, the union Home ministry has given three Quick Reaction Fighting (QRF) vehicles to the state.
Chief minister N Biren Singh stated in X, “Pleased to inspect the Tata Quick Reaction Fighting (QRF) vehicles which have been provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs to equip the security forces in enforcing law and order in the state. These mine protected vehicles will greatly help in protecting the security forces while performing their duties at vulnerable spots. The state government continues to take up initiatives for strengthening security measures and the protection of lives and properties”.
Acting on specific intelligence about the presence of weapons and ammunition in general area Sabungkhok Khunao-Chanung heights in Imphal East district of Manipur, a joint team of Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a search operation on Monday.
The search resulted in recovery of one 12-bore single barrel gun, three improvised Mortar, one 9mm pistol, three Grenades and ammunition. The recovered items have been handed over to Police. Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counter attacks and arsoning of houses, vehicles and government and private properties in more than 10 districts during and after May 3 ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. At least 210 people have been killed and over 50,000 displaced since ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis began on May 3 last year.
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