A fresh violence started in the periphery areas between the Tengnoupal districts and Kakching’s village named Pallel on September 8 where one individual lost his life and over 60 others sustained injuries after Assam Rifles personnel allegedly opened fire and deployed tear gas shells to disperse protesters.
According to officials, firing started around 6 am and has been continuing intermittently.
Manipur Police has issued clarification that the exchange of fire is between state security forces and armed miscreants at Pallel and not between Kuki militants and Meetei village volunteers as reported on social media.
Upon learning of the firing incident in the morning, a large number of local residents, including Meira Paibi women, marched towards the scene, sources say. An intense scuffle occurred when the agitators were intercepted by Assam Rifles near Pallel Beat Office. The security personnel attempted to control the mob by opening blank fires while being confronted by the Meira Paibis.
The scuffle resulted in more than 60 agitators being injured. Five individuals were hit by stray bullets, with one person, identified as Yengkhom Jiten (43) from Kakching, succumbing to bullet injury on his head.
The injured individuals were taken to Jivan Hospital in Kakching, and those with bullet injuries were referred to other hospitals in Imphal for further treatment. More details coming through.