Three people shot dead in Manipur, curfew reinstated in valley districts

After the attack, the angry locals set fire to three four-wheelers. It was not immediately clear who these cars belonged to.

Three persons were reportedly shot dead and five others injured in Manipur's Thoubal district on Monday evening, following which curfew was reimposed in the state's five valley districts, officials said.

Gunmen, who have yet to be identified, arrived in the Lilong Chingjao area wearing camouflage clothing and opened fire on locals, they said.

While three people were killed on the spot, five others were injured. The injured were taken to a hospital, officials said.

After the attack, the angry locals set fire to three four-wheelers. It was not immediately clear who these cars belonged to.

Following the fresh violence, curfew was reimposed in Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, officials said.

In a video message, Prime Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the violence and appealed to the people, especially residents of Lilong, to maintain peace.

“Police are working to arrest those behind the attack. They will soon be arrested and punished according to law,” he said.

More than 180 people have been killed and hundreds injured since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest the majority Meitei community's demand for the Scheduled Tribe status.

Meiteis represent about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mainly in the Imphal Valley. The Nagas and Kukis constitute just over 40 percent and live in the hill districts.

First print: January 1, 2024 | 10:29 pm IST