Fresh tensions erupted in Imphal East on Friday after armed miscreants, suspected to be from the Kuki community, opened fire on Meitei villagers who had gone into a nearby forest to collect firewood. The incident took place around 10 a.m. in Pukhao, a peripheral village in Imphal East that borders Kangpokpi district. No casualties were reported.
Villagers said they were accompanied by personnel of the CRPF and Manipur Rifles when the firing began. Sources reported that 10–12 shots were fired from an area believed to be Changsang hill, which falls under Saikul police station in Kangpokpi, forcing the woodcutters to flee in panic. Security measures in the area were subsequently tightened.
An 18-member delegation of villagers met the Imphal East Superintendent of Police on Friday afternoon to seek immediate steps to ensure their safety, emphasizing that many local families depend on the forest for their livelihood. The delegation asked for increased protection so residents can access the forest without fear.
Separately, heavy firing was reported at multiple locations in Ukhrul since Thursday, with intermittent exchanges between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups continuing into Friday morning in the Sinakeithei area, according to official sources. The clashes follow a drunken brawl in February that escalated into arson, abductions and road blockades, deepening communal tensions in parts of the state.
In response to the escalating violence, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh convened a high-level review meeting at the new civil secretariat with the chief secretary, the DGP and the state’s security adviser. Officials said the discussions focused on strengthening peace, restoring stability and accelerating inclusive development across affected areas.
The meeting came ahead of reports that the chief minister may hold a dialogue with representatives of the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati on Saturday, an initiative aimed at restoring normalcy in Manipur. Sources said authorities are seeking urgent measures to contain violence and protect civilians while pursuing talks to ease tensions.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/fear-returns-as-miscreants-open-fire-at-manipur-village-woodcutters/articleshow/129707194.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-20 23:46:00
