Manipur: Fresh tension erupts along Bishnupur-Churachandpur border village, one injured

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023

Fresh tensions flared in the Torbung area along the Bishnupur-Churachandpur district of Manipur on Tuesday night. The development took place after cross-firing broke out between security forces and unidentified armed miscreants at around 8:30 pm, officials told Hindustan Times.

They also said that at least one person was injured during the incident. However, the identity of the injured is yet to be established.

The incident happened a day after 389 persons, displaced by the ethnic clashes, returned to their homes in Phougakchao Ikhai, Torbung and some other areas.

At around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, officials said, a number of unknown armed miscreants from Churachandpur side allegedly launched the attack at Torbung village. Following which, the security forces retaliated immediately.

The armed miscreants reportedly used bombs during the clash, which went on for around 20 minutes, triggering panic among villagers. Authorities said additional contingents of state police and central security forces have been sent to the area to bring the situation under control, even as Torbung remains tense.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The Centre had on February 13 imposed President’s rule in Manipur after Singh resigned as the chief minister. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

Recently, on December 14, the BJP Manipur MLAs met in New Delhi to discuss peace and progress in the state. In a post on X, the party said, "The BJP Manipur Legislature Party meeting was held today at the BJP Headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of BJP national general secretary (Organisation) Shri @BLSanthosh ji and Northeast Coordinator Shri @sambitswaraj ji."

"The discussion centred on the peace and progress of Manipur," it said.

The leaders also discussed the formation of a popular government in the state at the earliest, party sources told PTI.

The issue of bringing financial assistance from the Centre to boost development projects was also deliberated at the meeting, they said.