IMPHAL, India: Security personnel are struggling to bring the situation under control in Manipur, which has been witnessing regular incidents of violence since May 3.
Assam Rifles troops exchanged gunfire, amid fresh bouts of violence in the strife-torn Manipur, with unknown men early Thursday morning at North Boljang in Manipur’s Imphal West district, reported Press Trust of India (PTI), citing people familiar with the development. The media reports suggested that the situation was brought under control as combing operations continue.
The exchange of fire occurred where armed forces have been deployed to bring the situation under control and crack down on rioters.
Several other incidents of violence were reported Wednesday, including a blast in a parked car at Kwakta in Bishnupur district. Eyewitnesses told the security personnel that the blast occurred within minutes of the driver leaving the vehicle at around 7.15 pm. Three civilians sustained injuries in the incident and were rushed to the Bishnupur hospital.
Amit Shah, Union home minister, meanwhile, has called an all-party meeting in the national capital on June 24 to discuss the situation in the state.
On Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson issued an appeal for peace in the strife-torn state and said the unprecedented violence has left a deep wound on the nation’s conscience. In a video message, Gandhi also expressed her condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.
“For nearly 50 days, we have witnessed a great human tragedy unfolding in Manipur. The unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in your state and uprooted thousands has left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation,” she said in her message.
“It is heartbreaking to witness our brothers and sisters who have coexisted peacefully turn against each other,” she added.
