Manipur CM’s security convoy attacked; one security personnel injured
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh‘s convoy was ambushed by armed terrorists in Kangpokpi district on Monday, injuring one security personnel. According to officials in the Chief Minister’s office, the convoy was on its way to Jiribam district from Imphal when it was attacked at National Highway-37 about 10.30 a.m.
The Chief Minister intended to visit Jiribam, which has been plagued by violence in recent days after unknown miscreants killed a man on June 6. Biren Singh intended to visit the region on Tuesday.
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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s convoy was ambushed by armed terrorists in Kangpokpi district on Monday, injuring one security personnel.
Ethnic tensions in Manipur after recent violence
A 59-year-old farmer from the Meitei community, identified as Soibam Saratkumar Singh was killed after he went missing while returning from his farm, the police said, adding his body had wounds inflicted by sharp object. Following the execution of the man in Jiribam, some 70 houses, including a few government offices, were set on fire, and hundreds of residents fled the region.
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The incident exacerbated Manipur’s ethnic tensions, which had been building since last year. Nearly 239 Meitei people, mostly women and children, were evacuated from Jiribam’s outskirts on Friday (June 7) and relocated to a newly established relief camp at the district’s multi-sports complex, according to officials.
Prohibitory orders were imposed in Jiribam after people, enraged by the farmer’s death, set fire to a few abandoned structures after his body was recovered.
Locals also protested in front of the Jiribam Police Station, demanding the return of their licensed guns, which were confiscated before the elections.
Jiribam, home to Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis, and non-Manipuris, had hitherto been undisturbed by the ethnic conflict. The war between Imphal valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kukis has claimed over 200 lives and left others homeless.
