New Delhi: The deaths of at least three people, including a policeman, in a gunfight at Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has once again put the state on edge.
Ethnic violence which began in early May has led to the deaths of nearly 200 people and displaced over 60,000.
The Hindu has reported that that a gunfight in Haraothel village between security forces and armed miscreants who were attacking hill villages led to several injuries in addition to the deaths. Head Constable Lenglam Dimngel, who was on duty at the village, was killed. The two civilians who died were Meitei community members, Indian Express has reported. The village is in the hills and is a Kuki-majority village. Security forces received inputs that the violence was premeditated.
The Imphal Free Press has reported that clashes erupted between women activists and Manipur police in Imphal following the above killing. –Agencies
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly left for the relief camps of Moirang from Imphal to meet with survivors of the violence.
A day ago, Gandhi had been stopped while attempting to reach Churachandpur by road and had taken a chopper there.
Gandhi is also scheduled to meet members of the United Naga Council and other rights activists in Imphal later today.
Congress has been tweeting images of Gandhi’s meetings with shelter camp residents.
In a particular tweet, Congress has also written on the condition of relief camps, providing photos of how cramped and sparse they are.
