Manipur violence: situation tense in valley periphery; two casualties reported; GoM counters ITLF

Imphal: Violence continued unabated at the periphery of Manipur valley, with ongoing heavy firing incidents in various locations of Bishnupur District since August 29. Clashes in Thamnapokpi Maning, Ngangkha Lawai Maning, and Phubala Maning areas of Bishnupur District were reported today.

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In the most recent developments, two Meitei reported to be Village Volunteers died after they sustained injuries in bomb attacks at Thamnapokpi Maning Thursday afternoon. The deceased individuals have been identified as Moirangthem Ropen, (44), son of M. Commander from Itam Nungoi Yourabung, and Pebam Deban, (46), son of late P. Ibochou Thamnapokpi Makha Leikai Ward No. 5. Despite being rushed to the District Hospital in Bishnupur, they succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, six more Meitei individuals sustained injuries in the encounters in Thamnapokpi and Naransena areas. Mortal remains of the deceased have been deposited at RIMS morgue.

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Prior to today’s violence, one Meitei Laibungjam Inao claimed to be village volunteer died and several others were injured in the preceding two days of violence. Local residents have condemned the government’s failure to address the continuous firing incidents in Bishnupur District.

According to a reliable source, in a firing incident at Lonphai village on August 29, two out of the three injured individuals were taken to the district hospital in Churachandpur. One of the injured LS Mangboi, a popular songwriter was referred to a hospital in Mizoram due to his critical condition, but he passed away en route at Songtal village. The other who succumbed to his injuries was one Richard Hemkholin Guite, who the locals say was a village defence volunteer.

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Meanwhile, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, DIPR, Government of Manipur has issued a clarification apropos to the statement issued by the ITLF in connection with the emergency shutdown in the four areas, namely Lonphai, Khousabung, Kangvai and Sugnu, claiming that these areas are under attack.

DIPR clarified that there is no any attack in the aforesaid four areas as claimed.