Violence-hit Manipur on the first day of the year witnessed a fresh round of attacks on civilians in which at least three persons died. According to the officials, three persons were allegedly shot dead and five others injured in Manipur's Thoubal district this evening. The fresh firing incident prompted authorities to reimpose curfew in the five valley districts of the state.
Gunmen, who are yet to be identified, arrived in camouflage dresses in the Lilong Chingjao area, and opened fire targeting locals, they said.
The officials said five persons who were injured in the attack were admitted to a hospital.
After the attack, the enraged locals set three four-wheelers on fire. It was not immediately clear to whom these cars belonged.
Curfew returns to valley districts
Following the fresh violence, curfew was reimposed in Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, officials said.
In a video message, Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the violence, and appealed to the people, particularly the residents of Lilong, for maintaining peace.
"Police are working to arrest those behind the attack. They will be arrested soon and punished as per the law," he said.
The northeast state has been witnessing an unprecedented series of ethnic violence between two groups- the majority Meitei community and Kukis. The first major clash took place on May 3 which triggered a large number of violent attacks in which over 180 people were killed and thousands displaced.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.
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