Imphal East, Manipur – The annual prayer and ritual programme held at the Kongba Maru Laiphamlen concluded without incident on April 6th, authorities have confirmed. The event, which drew over 600 devotees, was secured by a robust multi-layered security detail comprising personnel from the Assam Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Manipur Police.
The successful completion of the religious gathering marks a significant moment for the community, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions within the state. The Kongba Maru Laiphamlen had previously been targeted in February when suspected Kuki militants attempted to disrupt a sacred ceremony. During that earlier incident, several gunshots were reportedly fired from a nearby hilltop towards the temple while a priest and devotees were engaged in rituals. Despite the disruption, the ceremony had continued under the protection of security forces present at the time.
Following the February firing incident, security forces had intensified their operations in the adjacent Wakan Ridge and Mark Hills Ridge areas. These operations included extensive combing, sanitisation protocols, and area domination exercises aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the region.
The peaceful culmination of the annual prayers on Saturday is being viewed as a demonstration of the resilience of the local populace and an indication of the effectiveness of the security measures implemented. While the overall situation in the state remains fraught, the undisturbed completion of this significant religious event offers a glimmer of hope for the community.
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