After lull of 16-days, two killed in Manipur as rioters fire at army
The Hindu
At least two men were killed in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after a gunfight erupted between security forces and armed miscreants who were attacking hill villages, police and army officials said on Thursday. Several others were injured. A defence source said the attack was “premeditated” as they had received inputs on Wednesday night about miscreants planning violence.
At least two men were killed in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after a gunfight erupted between security forces and armed miscreants who were attacking hill villages, police and army officials said on Thursday. Several others were injured. A defence source said the attack was “premeditated” as they had received inputs on Wednesday night about miscreants planning violence.
The deaths come after a lull of 16-days in violence-hit Manipur. While there were sporadic incidents of arson and vandalism, no killings were reported since June 13.
Ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei community that erupted on May 3 has claimed 133 lives so far.
The Army said there was “unprovoked firing by armed rioters” towards Haraothel village around 5.30 am on Thursday.
Army said in a tweet that troops deployed in the area were immediately mobilised to prevent escalation of situation and while they were on way to the incident site “(army) columns drew effective fire from armed rioters.”
“Own troops responded in a calibrated manner to prevent any collateral damage. Swift action by troops resulted in cessation of firing. Additional columns moved to the area. Unconfirmed reports indicate some casualties. Buildup of large crowds in the area also reported. Situation being closely monitored and further details will follow,” Army’s Spear Corps tweeted.
Kangokpi Superintendent of Police Manoj Prabhakar M told The Hindu that two persons were dead in the incident. “The body of one of the persons was found in the hills, it was retrieved and handed over to the police. The other person succumbed to injuries in hospital,” Mr. Prabhakar said. A police official said the deceased were residents of Imphal East. Women’s groups blocked the movement of additional security forces but the situation was brought under control. A few home in Bethel village, a Kuki settlement, were razed during the incident.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.