NEW DELHI: Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has visited people hit by violence in Manipur as a gunfire in the troubled region claimed two more lives, Western media reported on Friday.
The firing occurred between men of the minority Kuki tribe and the majority Meitei Hindu in Imphal, Manipur’s capital city. Local officials told AP that four people were also injured in today’s violence.
Gunfire kills 2 in India’s troubled Manipur as Rahul Gandhi visits violence-hit region
More than hundred people have been killed in ethnic violence and clashes in the troubled Manipur state of India since May 3. Media reported that thousands of homes have been destroyed and burned while businesses and shops vandalized in the recent wave of violence in the region.
Rahul Gandhi’s workers and supporters headed out via road on Thursday to one of the worst violence-hit parts of Churachandpur district. But police personnel and security forces blocked them for hours, citing security issues. Local media reported that when Gandhi’s workers and supporters declined to turn back, police and security personnel fired tear gas.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge blamed the government of deliberately delaying a “empathetic outreach” by Rahul Gandhi. “This is completely offensive and smashes all democratic and constitutional norms,” Kharge stated.
The wave of violence started last month following protest demonstrations demanding basic rights by Kukis and members of Christian communities in Manipur.
