Imphal: Fresh gunfight between security forces and suspected armed groups has been reported from Gwaltabi area along the Imphal-Ukhrul road on Friday.
Officials said a group of armed men, who sneaked from Yaingangpokpi (YKPI) in Manipur’s Imphal East district and moved towards the hills on Friday noon, started firing from automatic weapons towards Urangpat and Gwaltabi villages.
As per reliable sources, the ongoing gunfight first began at about 12 noon near Yaingangpokpi bazaar and continued till the time of filing this report. So far, no casualty or injuries have been reported from the incident.
Once the firing started, security forces were immediately deployed in these villages, official sources said, but their movement was prevented by a large group of women.
Sources said hundreds of women have gathered in the area, stopping all Army and private vehicles coming from Imphal. All vehicles coming from Ukhrul towards Imphal are also being stopped at Mahadev and told to return.
“The gunfight between the armed forces and suspected militants still continues and all business establishments have been closed here,” said a local staying at Yaingangpokpi bazaar.
This comes a day after two soldiers were injured when unknown gunmen fired at them at North Boljang in Imphal West district around 5am on Thursday.
During initial search operations by the security forces, one INSAS light machine gun and one INSAS rifle were recovered. Shots of automatic small arms were also heard near Urangpat, north of YKPI, around 5.45 pm on Wednesday.
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As per eyewitnesses, many vehicles from Ukhrul to Imphal are now stranded at Litan and waiting for the situation to be controlled.
More than 100 people have been killed in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur since May 3 this year.
More details awaited.
Also Read | Manipur violence emblematic of BJP’s divisive politics in Northeast: CPI-M
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