Manipur has once again erupted in violence. Kuki militants fired shots at a temple, targeting the Meitei community’s sacred site, ‘Kongba Maru,’ while a group of devotees visited there on Friday.
This incident comes just a day after the armed Meitei group voluntarily surrendered 246 weapons to the security forces on Thursday. The shooting occurred the very next day. However, no casualties have been reported from the attack.
Security officials stated that a group of Meitei devotees had visited the sacred site under the protection of security forces. While they were there, militants fired seven rounds of gunshots from a nearby hill. Following the incident, additional security forces were deployed at the location to ensure safety.
Following the shooting incident, residents from nearby villages took to the streets to protest. They blocked the roads for several hours, demanding the demolition of bunkers on the hills to restore peace and ensure the safety of the Meitei community.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms in Manipur has been extended. The new deadline is set for 4 PM on March 6.
Liberty News International correspondent reports that Manipur has been engulfed in ongoing violence since May 2023. Rebels looted nearly 6,000 weapons from the state’s paramilitary and police armories. Since then, many have fallen victim to militant attacks. So far, more than 250 people have lost their lives in the violence. Several temples have also been vandalized during the clashes.
LND/S H
