A woman was allegedly killed in a fresh incident of violence in Manipur's Imphal West district on Saturday night. Suspected militants launched a gun-and-bomb attack in the district. The deceased has been identified as 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala. Her 12-year-old daughter was also injured in the incident. She sustained injuries on her right hand.
The incident reportedly started from Nakhujang Village, Kangpokpi towards Kadangband part – 1, Imphal West at 2.35 pm on Sunday. Village Volunteers' Force (VFF) from Kadangband also retaliated.
According to police, the militants fired indiscriminately from hilltop positions towards the low-lying valley areas of Koutruk and neighbouring Kadangband. A police officer was also injured in the attack.
The sudden assault on the unsuspecting village caused widespread panic, forcing many residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to flee to safer areas, police added as reported by PTI.
Devi's daughter and the police officer were admitted to RIMS. Meanwhile, two other injured people are undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity. Notably, Members of the Meitei community alleged that the attack was carried out by Kuki community members.
Over 200 people were killed after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The violence erupted when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribal, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.