Amidst the return of looted and illegal arms to the police, suspected Kuki militants opened fire at a religious site in Imphal East district from adjoining hills, officials said. However, no casualties were reported in the firing, which is the first of its kind since the promulgation of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 and the beginning of the surrender of looted and illegally held arms to the police since February 21, following the appeal of Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
*Incident Details*
A police official stated that the suspected Kuki militants started firing when people belonging to the Meitei community were performing rituals at Kongba Maru temple in Imphal East. More than 10 rounds were fired from the adjoining Wakan Hill Range in Kangpokpi district.
Immediately after the incident, combined security forces, including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops, rushed to the area and arrested four persons in connection with the firing. Irate local people from nearby villages protested against the firing by blocking vehicular traffic.
*Arrests and Identifications*
The arrested persons were identified as Lungousem Kipgen (29), Letminlal Kipgen (25), Satminlun Tuboi (24), and Thanggoulun Kilong (27), all residents of Kangpokpi District. Earlier, the attackers allegedly vandalized the Kongba Maru temple properties.
*Kongba Maru Temple*
Kongba Maru temple is a significant religious site where the Kongba river starts, which is joined by other tributaries in its further course. Kongba Maru is situated approximately 22 kilometers from Imphal city.
*Extension of Deadline for Surrender of Arms*
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has further extended the deadline for the return of looted and illegal weapons and ammunition to the security forces by one week. He warned that after the expiry of the fresh deadline, “strict legal action would be taken as per law for possession of such arms and ammunition.”
*Background of Ethnic Violence*
Since May 2023, more than 250 people have been killed, over 1,500 injured, and over 70,000 rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The Centre imposed President’s Rule in the state on February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9. The state assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
