Officials have issued warnings to two Kuki village chiefs from the Wakan Ridge and Mark Hills Ridge areas in Kangpokpi district, near Imphal East, for violating the peace process initiated by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The warnings followed a gun attack allegedly carried out by miscreants from the Kuki-Zo community on devotees at the Kongba Maru Laipham temple in Imphal East during a ritual on Friday morning.
This incident marked the first instance of gunfire since the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, with Governor Bhalla overseeing the state’s affairs. In response, the Governor issued a final warning for the surrender of illegally possessed weapons at public places across the state.
In light of the firing incident aimed at disrupting the temple’s prayer rituals, the Manipur police summoned the Kuki INPI-Saikul and village chiefs from Kuki villages in the Wakan area. The chiefs received stern warnings to avoid causing further disturbances, with officials stating that severe action would follow if such incidents occurred again. The names of the two chiefs remain withheld.
The police report further stated that in connection with the firing, security forces alerted the area, conducted combing operations, sanitized the area, and dominated the region in Wakan Ridge and Mark Hills Ridge. No arrests have been made so far, but authorities continue to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Operations and area domination will persist to maintain peace and tranquility in the region. Authorities have briefed security forces to remain vigilant and take effective action if any further violations occur.
