Manipur news: Fresh gunfire in Ukhrul triggers tensions - what happened in Sinakeithei village?
Tensions have persisted between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities in Sinakeithei and surrounding areas following a drunken brawl in February, as per reports. In the aftermath, more than 50 houses belonging to members of both communities were set on fire
Manipur: Gunfights were reported at multiple locations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Thursday, including in Sinakeithei village. Police said the clashes involved armed groups who were suspected to be from the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
Clashes were still ongoing at three locations, including Mongket Chepu village, mentioned the report, citing police.
How did the gunfire erupt?
A gunfight erupted around 4 pm when suspected Kuki militants, reportedly armed with heavy weapons, attempted to enter Sirarakhong village. Tangkhul Naga village volunteers responded – with the exchange of fire lasting about ten minutes.
Around 5pm, shots were heard in Sinakeithei's Lungter hill range. It is a Tangkhul Naga village.
“It could be a coordinated attack, we heard sounds of automatic assault rifles and Kartoos (single-barrel gun) but cannot confirm who are involved. No casualties have been officially reported during the gunfight; however, security has been alerted in the area,” a police officer, requesting anonymity, told HT.
Meanwhile, authorities in Sinakeithei village alleged that Kuki militants ‘opened fire from bunkers’ directed at the village, which security forces had dismantled a few days earlier.
What happened in Sinakeithei?
Tensions have persisted between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities in Sinakeithei and surrounding areas following a drunken brawl in February, reported HT. In the aftermath, more than 50 houses belonging to members of both communities were set on fire.
On Tuesday, 17 March – Sinakeithei Village issued a notice regarding the worsening security situation. The authority also wrote to Manipur Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, requesting urgent government intervention, mentioned a report by Ukhrul Times.
In a press statement, the village authority stated, “Militants have brazenly constructed bunkers and makeshift camps within Sinakeithel Village’s jurisdiction, systematically encroaching on residential areas and posing a direct threat to civilian safety. The Leplen-Tingpibung road beneath the Lungter Mountain Range has been illegally occupied. Armed militants from the T Gamnom Camp and Mt. Sinai Camp are manning checkpoints around the clock, restricting freedom of movement," reported the local media outlet.
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