Meitei village in Imphal West attacked after CM Biren indicated of improving Manipur Crisis situation 

Imphal: Gunnfight took place in the adjoining areas of Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts between armed Kuki group and security forces after the armed assailants opened fire targeting a Meitei village in Imphal West district on Thursday night under the jurisdiction of Patsoi police station.

The Kuki attack took place on the day chief minister N.Biren Singh stated of improving the violent situation in Manipur at his secretariat during launching of the Good Governance Week.

Manipur PCC president Keisham Meghachandra on Wednesday expressed the governor that militants started attacking Meitei villages as soon as a state leader speaks of returning peace the state.

Police said at around 7:10 pm on Thursday armed miscreants from Saheibung and L. Jagnomphai under Kangpokpi district, bordering Imphal West district, launched gunfire towards Tairenpokpi village in Imphal West, which is a Meitei village. “The armed assailants launched the attack using automatic guns, followed by some bombs.”

Security forces stationed in the area retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire for several minutes. As the security forces reassured the villagers of their protection, no displacement of villagers occurred in the aftermath of the incident, it added.

The police also confirmed that there were no casualties among the security forces.

Manipur government had recently said there is no organisation called Kuki-Zo Council and no district by the name Lamka in Manipur.

Demanding a Kuki land with a separate administration, armed Kuki-Zo groups have been attacking Manipur valley dominated by Meitei since May last year.

“The restoration of peace and harmony amongst our communities is of utmost importance. The government will not tolerate any action that threaten to disrupt the peace process,” said a government statement which stated that Union Home minister has imposed Protected Area Regime in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland to prevent influx.

There have been claims that Kuki-Zo militants from Myanmar have been involved in the attacks on Manipur.