Guwahati, 25 May: New acts of violence have been reported on Wednesday night at Kadangband in the Imphal West district of Manipur.
More incidents of violence were reported in Bishnupur and Imphal West districts on Wednesday. A civilian was reportedly killed in the violence. According to reports, the house of a minister of the state was also attacked and ransacked by miscreants . Following the incident, the evening curfew was imposed in Bishnupur, East Imphal, West Imphal and Jiribam districts of the state without any relaxation to control the situation.
The security was reinforced after at least three violent events in the areas were recorded.
Speaking to reporters, Manipur Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh said, “Today at around 1.30 am, there was firing from the upper hill of Singda Kadangband by some suspected armed miscreants.”
“One person received bullet injury on his right little finger and right thigh. He has been evacuated to RIMS Hospital for treatment. BSF and one Section of MR rushed to the spot and conducted an operation and dominated the area,” he added.
Telvum Thangzalam Haokip, a former BJP MLA and two other people were arrested by the police earlier on Tuesday.
The ex-MLA was allegedly behind a plot to stir up new violence in the conflict-torn state where at least 71 people were killed and 35,000 were displaced more than a fortnight ago, according to Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh.
Security forces working together apprehended Haokip and two armed men identified as Bicky Singson and John Gangte in the Imphal West district’s New Checkon area which is home to a mix of Kuki, Meitei and other ethnic groups. Haokip’s possession of two legally owned firearms was also taken.
Notably, outbreaks of violence in further Checkon Bazaar where a crowd set fire to abandoned homes belonging to Kuki community members after some miscreants threatened traders and forced them to close their stores.
Following the fresh tensions, the Indian Army released a statement that read, “Three Army/ Assam Rifles columns were launched in response to input of four armed suspects threatening the shopkeepers at New Chekon area and then subsequently moving to New Lambulane area of Imphal East district. The area was quickly cordoned off by the joint team of Army, Assam Rifles, police and Rapid Action Force (RAF). Swift action resulted in immediate control of crowd which gathered and consequently, three suspects along with two single barrel 12 bore guns were apprehended and handed over to the police.”
BJP MLA from Henglep constituency in 2017, Haokip. Later in 2020, he resigned from the party and joined Congress.