Gunfire Erupts at Meitei Religious Site in Imphal East
IMPHAL: In a concerning incident amidst ongoing tensions in Manipur, unidentified militants opened fire at a Meitei religious site in Imphal East district on Friday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred around 9:30 am while a group of devotees was visiting Kongba Maru, a sacred site for the Meitei community. Despite the heavy security presence, seven rounds were fired from the nearby hills, prompting officials to dispatch additional security forces to the area.
Community Response
Following the gunfire, local residents took to the streets in protest, blocking vehicular traffic to voice their concerns. This site has previously experienced vandalism attributed to miscreants from adjacent hill areas.
Government Actions
Earlier today, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal firearms until 4 pm on March 6, responding to public calls for more time. This extension comes after a significant number of firearms—over 300—were surrendered during the previous week.
Context of Violence in Manipur
Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has resulted in over 250 fatalities and the displacement of thousands. The situation escalated to the imposition of President’s rule in the state following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
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