Imphal : One policeman was killed Monday morning and 10 others injured following violent overnight clashes in Manipur’s west Kangpokpi area. According to reports, there took place indiscriminate firing from Phayeng and Sinda villages after a brief lull between 3 am and 6 am.
The firing was aimed at villages and hills in Kangchup area of Kangpokpi district, where the Assam Rifles manage a buffere zone between the two villages. Officials suspect there are more casualties on both sides.
Backdrop:
The ethnic violence targeting Churches started on 3 May after a Tribal Dolidariy March was organised to protest against Meital community’s demand for Scheduled Trive ST status. Meitels account for 53 percent of Manipur population and occupy most parts of the Imphal valley. At least 150 people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes so far.
