Manipur: Two incidents have come to light in Manipur, first one is an encounter and the other is a blast. An encounter took place in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district between militants from the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) and rural volunteers. The confrontation led to a shootout in which four people were killed—one UKLF militant and three rural volunteers, all from the same community.
Following the incident, members of the Kuki community, angered by the deaths of their fellow community members, set fire to the house of UKLF president SS Haokip. The police said that security forces conducted a search operation in the area, but no arrests have been made so far. “The situation is under control,” said police.
Former MLA’s wife killed in blast
In a separate incident, a bomb blast took place in Kangpokpi district of Manipur. The explosion took place near the residence of former Saikul MLA Yamthong Haokip.
The blast claimed the life of Haokip’s second wife, Sapam Charubala. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she could not be saved. The former MLA was also in the house at the time of the explosion but was unharmed. The police are currently investigating the cause of the blast.
Conflict between two communities
These incidents have added to the ongoing conflict in Manipur, which has been marked by violence between the Meitei community of the Imphal valley and the Kuki community from the hill regions.
The conflict, which began in May of last year, has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people and left thousands homeless.