Fresh Manipur violence leaves 4 dead, 3 CRPF personnel injured in three incidents: ADGP

Four people were killed and several others injured in a series of violent incidents in Manipur between Sunday night (October 18) and Monday morning (October 19), including clashes following stone-pelting, an IED explosion that injured three CRPF personnel, and a militant attack on villagers collecting firewood.

Addressing the media, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said security forces had been deployed in affected areas and investigations were underway to identify those responsible.

In the first incident, tension erupted between two communities at Khangabok Pali Bazar under Thoubal police station around 11.20 pm on Sunday after unidentified persons allegedly pelted stones during a musical programme. The situation subsequently escalated, involving people from Khangabok and Sangakpham.

One person later succumbed to bullet injuries at Raj Medicity around 12.40 am on Monday, while several others were injured. Additional forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles and police personnel, were deployed. The situation was brought under control around 1.50 am, the ADGP said.

Police are identifying suspects, questioning witnesses and conducting operations to recover illegal firearms in the area.

In a separate incident, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at Kakwa Lamdaibung Lampak, near Singjamei police station, around 11.41 pm on Sunday. Three CRPF personnel sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Raj Medicity.

Lhatoo said investigators were pursuing leads and expressed confidence that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Three villagers killed in attack near Khongbal

In the third incident, unidentified armed militants allegedly opened fire on a group of 14 Meitei villagers who were cutting and transporting firewood at Sunulok Hill, ahead of the Khongbal Tangkhul area, under Sagolmang police station in Imphal East district, around 9.40 am on Monday.

Three villagers died of bullet injuries, while three others sustained injuries. The injured were evacuated and are undergoing medical treatment, the ADGP said.

Police have received inputs about the suspected perpetrators, and a detailed investigation is underway.

Joint security operations launched

Lhatoo said joint operations involving Manipur Police, CoBRA personnel, CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force (BSF) were underway in the affected areas. Intelligence-based operations are also being intensified.

Security forces are using sniffer dogs and drones, while helicopter surveillance has commenced. District contingency plans have been activated, with joint checkpoints and mobile checkposts deployed to prevent further violence.

The ADGP said senior police officials were coordinating with stakeholders and security agencies to restore normalcy and protect lives and property.

“Intensified action will be taken against all inimical elements involved in these incidents without fear or favour,” he said.

Appealing for calm, the police urged people not to take the law into their own hands or circulate unverified information, rumours and provocative content on social media. Residents were also asked to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the central control room.

The police said further updates would be shared as verified information became available.