Fresh violence in Manipur: Man killed in gunfight

Koutruk village, one of worst-affected in state, attacked with mortar shells

ONE PERSON was killed and three were injured after a gunfight broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the border area between Meitei-dominated Imphal West district and Kukizo-dominated Kangpokpi.

Sources said the gunfight started at around 2.30 am, with armed volunteers from Koutruk village in Imphal West exchanging fire with their counterparts in the adjoining hills of the Kangpokpi district.

It was alleged that Koutruk village was also hit with locally made mortar shells, known as ‘pumpi’, causing panic among residents.

Koutruk is one of the worstaffected areas in Manipur since violence broke out in the state on May 3, with frequent reports of firing between village volunteers of the two warring communities.

In Sunday’s gunfight, a Kukizo man from L Molsang village under Saitu-gamphajol sub-division of Kangpokpi was killed. He was identified as 44-year-old Lammang Kipgen.

Denouncing his killing, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills, announced the imposition of a 12-hour shutdown on Sunday – from noon to midnight in Kangpokpi district.

COTU alleged that Lammang Kipgen was killed in an unprovoked attack. The tribal body announced that he would be buried at the martyrs’ cemetery in Phaijang.

The latest gunfight comes a day after two CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured in Bishnupur district following a blast at the paramilitary force’s outpost — one of the most brazen attacks on security forces during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

It also comes four days after three medium intensity blasts damaged a bridge in Kangpokpi district on National Highway 2 and impaired the movement of traffic on this crucial roadway. No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Polling for the second and final seat in Manipur concluded on Friday. Phase 1 of polling in the state, on April 19, was also marred by violence — from allegations of gunfire outside polling booths to EVMS being damaged to election officials being intimidated in parts of the Inner Manipur constituency.