- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Tue, 02 Jan 2024 02:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
As many as seven personnel of security forces were injured during an attack by militants in violence-hit Manipur on Tuesday, NDTV reported while citing police sources. The incident took place in Moreh, where forces are facing relentless attacks. Over four police commandos and three BSF soldiers have been injured in gunfire and have been admitted to RIMS hospital in Imphal. They are said to be in a critical state.
This came after four persons were killed and several left injured on New Year’s Eve in a fresh spark of violence in the Thoubal district of the state. Following the incident, a curfew was imposed in five districts of the northeastern state.
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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a video message condemned the violence and appealed to people to maintain peace in the region. "I express my immense sadness over the killing of innocent people. We have mobilised police teams to catch the culprits. I fold my hands and appeal to the residents of Lilong (where the incident happened) to help the government in finding the culprits. I promise that the government will do everything in its power to give justice under the law," he said.
Manipur is reeling under a severe crisis amid unrest between Kuki and Maitei communities over reservation. Tensions boiled over when Kukis began protesting against demands from the Meiteis to be given official tribal status, which the Kukis argued would strengthen their already strong influence on government and society, allowing them to buy land or settle in predominantly Kuki areas.
As per reports, more than 200 persons have so far been killed amid strife. Besides, the violence has left more than 70,000 people displaced from their homes.