Fresh violence in Manipur leaves three dead, tensions flare at district border

Imphal: A fresh wave of violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals from the Meitei community in Kwakta. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has once again ignited tensions in the region.

According to reports from the news agency PTI, the victims, including a father-son duo, were allegedly gunned down while they slept and later subjected to sword attacks. The three had recently returned to their residences in Kwakta from a relief camp, believing that the situation had improved.

The area where the violence unfolded lies on the border of the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district and the Kuki-Zomi-dominated Churachandpur district. Firing between state forces and militants has been reported in the vicinity, exacerbating the volatile situation.

The incident follows closely on the heels of a controversial burial that stoked tensions between the Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities. The burial, intended for 35 Kuki-Zomi individuals, was slated to take place in Torbung, a disputed region at the border of the two districts. This choice of location raised concerns among security personnel and the Ministry of Home Affairs, fearing an escalation of tensions.

In response to the mounting tensions, an organization known as the International Meeteis Forum filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Manipur High Court. The court issued an order to maintain the status quo of the disputed land until the next hearing on August 9, citing the potential to aggravate the volatile law and order situation.

Amid the escalating unrest, the ITLF (Indigenous Tribal Liberation Front) announced a five-day delay in the burial, acting upon the request of the Home Minister.

The region remains on edge as security forces work to quell further violence and maintain control over the situation.