Fresh Clashes Erupt in Manipur's Fringe Areas, 2 Meitei Militants Injured

A fresh outbreak of gunfire rattled the tense and volatile border areas of Saibol in Kangpokpi district, Thamnapokpi in Imphal East and Churachandpur - Bishnupur border in Manipur. As clashes intensified, local farmers from the Tangkhul community, who had gone to tend their paddy fields in Yaingangpokpi, were caught in the crossfire, sustaining injuries.

The exact source of the bullets that injured the farmers remains unknown, as both parties involved were actively exchanging gunfire. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility.

Adding fuel to the fire, a video clip that has quickly gone viral on social media reportedly shows two armed men in Meitei uniform insignias, specifically bearing the "Salai Taret" logo, firing indiscriminately across a paddy field. The presence of these men, equipped with sophisticated weaponry, has drawn further concern and criticism from community leaders and activists, who fear the situation may lead to more unrest and violence in the area.

For the past several days, fringe areas across Manipur have been plagued by near-constant outbreaks of violence. Villages along these borders have witnessed repeated exchanges of gunfire, exacerbating already-high tensions.

In an alarming development, paddy rice belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, which was prepared for harvest, was also allegedly set on fire by armed Meitei groups in the Saitol area of Churachandpur district last night. The Meitei militants burned down more than 10 acres of paddy fields which were prepared for harvest.

A heavy exchange of gunfire also occurred at buffer areas of Churachandpur and Bishnupur district since early this morning. The firing took place near Kotlenphai and Changpikot village of Churachandpur district which shares borders with Kumbi Assembly Constituency of Bishnupur district. As per reports, the firing took place as a result of the buffer zone breach by the Meitei militants. The Kuki Village volunteers retaliated with heavy rounds of shots.

Till the filing of this report, two Meitei militants sustained injuries and were admitted to a hospital in Imphal. No reports of injuries from the Kukis side have been reported so far.

Families along the borders have been advised to stay indoors, and many have fled to safer areas in search of shelter.