Imphal - Over the past three days, Manipur's Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts have witnessed a tragic escalation in violence, resulting in the loss of at least five lives and leaving 20 others injured. The turmoil continues as clashes between Kukis and Meiteis persist, with gunfights ongoing until Thursday night, as confirmed by officials.
Although sources suggest a higher death toll of six to seven in the relentless exchanges of gunfire over three days, official confirmation is pending.
Among the victims, L.S Mangboi Lhungdim, 50, stood out as the composer of the song "I Gam Hilou Ham (Is this not our land?)" that emerged after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3. His music served as a rallying cry for tribal unity. Another victim was VDV Jangminlun Gangte.
Firing continued in the foothills of Bishnupur and adjacent areas in Churachandpur district until late Thursday evening, following a fresh clash between rival ethnic groups that began early in the morning, according to police officials in Imphal.
Two individuals who sustained shrapnel injuries during the gunfire in Manipur's Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts succumbed to their wounds on Thursday.
One young person, injured by shrapnel from a bomb blast on Wednesday, tragically passed away while being transferred to Guwahati hospital for medical treatment through Mizoram.
Another individual injured in Wednesday's gunfire also lost their life on Thursday at Churachandpur district hospital, where they were receiving treatment, as confirmed by a police official.
In a prompt and effective response, the Army's quick action team thwarted an attempted arson incident near Leimakhong on Thursday evening. An army unit near Chingmang village observed flames and smoke emanating from an unoccupied house. Without delay, personnel established a secure perimeter around the area.
Within a matter of minutes, three Army water bowsers arrived at the scene, and the fire was successfully controlled and extinguished. Concurrently, combing operations are being conducted to apprehend those involved in the attempted arson.
The Army's swift intervention prevented the house from being completely destroyed and prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring houses, according to a defense spokesman.
A statement from Manipur Police addressed rumors circulating on social media about attacks in Lonphai, Khousabung, Kangvai, and Sugnu areas, clarifying that there have been no such incidents in Kangvai and Sugnu. However, an exchange of gunfire did occur in Lonphai and Khousabung. Security forces deployed in the area responded, and subsequently, the firing subsided. The situation remains tense but under control.
In a separate police statement, it was reported that during search operations in Churachandpur, 20 bombs, three looted firearms, 20 different types of ammunition, and 30 grams of gunpowder were recovered.