In a tragic turn of events, Manipur once again finds itself engulfed in the flames of violence as clashes between the Meetei/Meitei and Kuki-Zo armed groups escalated on Tuesday, 13 February.
According to reports from Ukhrul Times, the skirmishes have resulted in the loss of two lives and left four others wounded in the fringes of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts.
The conflict reportedly unfolded near the border between Imphal East and Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, where one individual from the Meitei armed group, identified as Sagolsem Loya (25), fell victim to critical bullet injuries sustained during an attack by the rival Kuki armed faction at Pukhao Shantipur.
Among the injured are Moirangthem Naocha Meitei (22), Laishram Ihuntappa (26), and Sinam Shyam (31), who are currently receiving medical care at a private hospital in Imphal.
These clashes come on the heels of a recent confrontation between the same factions, where two individuals from the valley were injured in a fierce gunfight. Allegations from the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) suggest the involvement of the banned UNLF outfit and Arambai Tenggol militia in the earlier clashes.
Meanwhile, it was reported that one member of the Kuki-Zo community from Kangpokpi district lost his life, with another sustaining injuries in separate attacks launched by Meitei armed groups at Saibol village. The deceased has been identified as Demkhogin Khongsai (39).