In a recent outbreak of violence, Kadangband in Manipur's Imphal West district witnessed fresh rounds of unrest on Wednesday night. The area experienced three incidents of violence, prompting heightened security measures.
Addressing the media, Kuldeep Singh, Manipur Security Advisor, stated, "In the early hours, around 1:30 am, suspected armed miscreants from the upper hill of Singda Kadangband opened fire." The incident resulted in an individual sustaining injuries to their right little finger and right thigh. The injured person was promptly taken to RIMS Hospital for treatment. The Border Security Force (BSF) and one section of Manipur Rifles (MR) swiftly responded, conducting an operation to establish control in the area.
Prior to these recent events, on Tuesday, security forces apprehended former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Telvum Thangzalam Haokip and two associates. Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh revealed that the ex-MLA was implicated in a conspiracy to instigate further unrest in the conflict-ridden state. Over two weeks ago, the state witnessed 71 fatalities and the displacement of 35,000 individuals. The security forces captured Haokip, Bicky Singson, and John Gangte, along with two licensed firearms, in the New Checkon area of Imphal West district, which encompasses a diverse mix of Kuki, Meitei, and other ethnic groups.
Significantly, a separate instance of violence occurred on Monday at New Checkon Bazaar, where a mob targeted abandoned homes belonging to Kuki community members. This act followed threats by miscreants to local vendors, forcing them to close their shops.
Responding to the escalating tensions, the Indian Army issued a statement: "In response to reports of four armed suspects threatening shopkeepers at New Chekon area and subsequently moving to New Lambulane area in Imphal East district, three Army/Assam Rifles columns were deployed." A joint team comprising the Army, Assam Rifles, police, and Rapid Action Force (RAF) swiftly cordoned off the area. The prompt action led to the immediate containment of the gathering crowd, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of two single-barrel 12 bore guns, which were subsequently handed over to the police.
Haokip, previously a BJP MLA from Henglep constituency in 2017, later resigned from the party in 2020 and joined the Congress. However, he switched allegiances once again, joining Shiv Sena ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections.
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