Fear struck Kharam Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after an armed attack involving gunfire and bomb explosions occurred on January 8, leading to condemnation from local authorities. The attack involved unidentified armed individuals firing unprovoked and detonating explosives, damaging several houses but resulting in no reported casualties. Tensions grew as security forces were deployed following a brief gunfight linked to an alleged operation against illegal poppy cultivation by the banned Zeliangrong United Front, which met resistance from Kuki armed groups. The ongoing ethnic violence that began in May 2023 has claimed over 260 lives, primarily affecting the Meitei and Kuki communities. Local leaders labeled the incident a serious law and order breach and called for immediate action against the perpetrators to prevent further instability and protect civilians.
Imphal