Imphal - Armed individuals allegedly shot and killed four individuals in Manipur's Valley district of Thoubal on Monday, January 1, resulting in additional injuries. In response to the incident, authorities reinstated a curfew across the Valley districts.

A directive from the district magistrate stated, "Due to the evolving law and order situation in the district and to prevent any untoward incidents, loss of life, and property, and as a precautionary measure, the curfew relaxation order dated December 31 is revoked. Full curfew is now imposed in all areas of Imphal West district with immediate effect."

Similarly, curfew measures were reintroduced in Thoubal, Imphal East, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.

Confirming the tragic event, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. He assured the deployment of police teams to apprehend the culprits and appealed to residents of Lilong, where the incident occurred, to assist the government in identifying the perpetrators. Singh pledged the government's commitment to ensuring justice under the law and called for an urgent meeting of all ministers and ruling party MLAs.

According to PTI reports, unidentified gunmen, dressed in camouflage, arrived and indiscriminately fired at locals. The attack left five individuals injured, who are currently receiving medical attention. In the aftermath, enraged locals set some vehicles on fire.

Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3 last year, the state has witnessed over 180 fatalities and several hundred injuries.