Fresh attack jolts resettled villages in Manipur’s Bishnupur district

Fresh violence erupted on the evening of December 16 in the sensitive peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, throwing resettled villages of Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai back into fear and uncertainty.

 

Local sources said heavy cross-firing broke out between security forces and unknown armed groups operating from the Churachandpur side. The exchange followed an alleged bomb and gun attack by suspected Kuki militants, who reportedly opposed the recent resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Torbung.

 

According to residents of Phougakchao Ikhai and Torbung, the government had only recently facilitated the return of a small number of displaced families to their original villages after more than two and a half years of displacement due to the ongoing ethnic conflict. However, armed groups allegedly targeted the resettlement effort, launching attacks using bombs and heavy live rounds.

 

Security forces, particularly units of the Indian Army, retaliated against the attackers, leading to intense cross-firing that lasted for a considerable period. Sounds of sustained gunfire were recorded by locals, while panic gripped the area as residents ran for safety. Recently resettled families were heard shouting for help, expressing fear and renewed insecurity just a day after returning home.

 

Additional security personnel were rushed to the affected areas to prevent further escalation. Officials said the situation remains highly tense, with forces maintaining a strong presence along the vulnerable border zones between the two districts.

 

The incident comes just days after Meitei and Kuki BJP MLAs participated in a high-level meeting in Delhi, where the party’s central leadership stressed the importance of unity among legislators to stabilise Manipur and push developmental initiatives. Special emphasis was placed on restoring free and safe movement between the hill and valley regions, a goal that continues to face serious challenges amid prolonged ethnic unrest.

 

The latest violence has once again raised serious questions over the safety of returnees and the sustainability of resettlement efforts in conflict-hit areas of the state.