Two killed in firing in Manipur; Tribal organization announces bandh in Kangpokpi district

In a fresh incident of violence, two people were killed during a shootout between two rival groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday. Police gave this information.

The firing took place at a location between Harothel and Kobsha villages, although police are not yet clear on what led to the firing.

A tribal organization claimed that people of the Kuki-Jo community were attacked without provocation and a ‘bandh’ was declared in the district.

There have been several incidents of firing between villagers in the region since ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state in early May.

A police officer said additional forces have been deployed in the area and a search is underway to arrest those involved in the incident.

Condemning the ‘unprovoked attack’ on people of the Kuki-Jo community, Kangpokpi’s ‘Committee on Tribal Unity’ (COTU) declared an ’emergency bandh’ in Kangpokpi district.

COTU also demanded in a meeting that the government should arrange for a separate administration for the tribals.

More than 180 people have been killed so far in the violence that broke out after the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized on May 3 in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The Meitei people constitute about 53 percent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent and live mainly in the hill districts.