Imphal: In blatant defiance of Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal for peace and disarmament, Kuki militants opened fire on Meiteis at Kongba Maru Laiphamlen in the Kangpokpi district on Friday morning.
This marks the first instance of gunfire by Kuki militants against Meiteis in nearly two months, following the week-long shooting incident at Thamnapokpi village in Imphal East district.
Kongba Maru Laiphamlen holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Meiteis, who have traditionally performed rituals at the site. However, these practices have been disrupted due to ongoing ethnic violence between the indigenous Meiteis and Kukis, who are often regarded as illegal immigrants from Myanmar.
The attack comes amid the Governor’s plea for both hill and valley communities to surrender illegal arms and restore peace. Notably, just a day earlier, Arambai Tenggol—an organization accused by Kukis of inciting violence—had voluntarily handed over its weapons to state authorities in response to the Governor’s call.
On Friday, over 20 individuals, including priests and devotees, visited the sacred site under the protection of state security forces to conduct rituals. Shortly after their arrival, Kuki militants, positioned in the hills, launched an indiscriminate attack. Demonstrating restraint, the state police present at the scene refrained from retaliating, reinforcing their commitment to peace.
A priest who witnessed the attack told The North East Affairs that the Governor is well aware of the situation and has begun taking action from the Secretariat. However, he lamented the militants’ renewed aggression despite the Governor’s appeal and urged for stronger enforcement of laws in the hill regions as well.
A woman at Yumnam Khunou alleged the Kuki militants were operating in the area where 16th Assam Rifles control.
