- By Imran Zafar
- Sat, 28 Sep 2024 08:46 PM (IST)
- Source:IANS
A fresh exchange of gunfire erupted between two rival armed groups in Manipur's Jiribam district on Saturday. The incident took place in Mongbung village, located around seven kilometres from Jiribam's district headquarters and predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community. Police said that no casualties have been reported so far in the incident which occurred at the village which lies on the border with Assam and an investigation is underway.
Police stated that the groups intermittently fired at each other for several hours, forcing women, children and the elderly to seek refuge in safer areas. Security forces were dispatched to bring the situation under control. "Though the exchange of firing continued for several hours, no casualties have been reported," the official said.
Jiribam district has largely remained peaceful since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May last year, but sporadic clashes have been occurring in the district since June.
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In response, the Manipur Police reported that search operations and area dominations were ongoing in the vulnerable regions of both hill and valley districts. On Friday, security forces recovered several arms and ammunition in Thoubal district, including grenades, shells, detonators and radio sets.
Meanwhile, security forces are working to ensure the safe passage of passenger and goods-laden vehicles along National Highways 37 and 2. A total of 109 checkpoints have been established across various districts in the hill and valley areas to curb illegal activities and maintain law and order.