Manipur's Phougakchao Ikhai residents stay put after fresh attack, seek more security

Fresh violence in Phougakchao Ikhai village of Manipur’s Bishnupur district has triggered fear and tension, but residents have decided not to abandon their homes, even after bombs and gunfire were reported on December 16.

 

The village, under Torbung Gram Panchayat, came under attack barely a day after internally displaced persons were resettled there on December 15 with support from the district administration. Suspected Kuki militants allegedly fired guns and hurled bombs from nearby overlooking hills, shattering a fragile calm that had lasted for almost a year.

 

According to information from the ground, several bombs exploded in paddy fields and within the premises of at least one residence. Gunshots reportedly pierced through houses, forcing families to stay awake throughout the night in fear.

 

Despite the renewed violence, villagers have resolved not to flee. Instead, they have appealed to the state government, now under President’s Rule, to deploy additional security forces and to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency.

 

With visible courage, some residents were seen working in their fields the very next morning, including areas where bombs had exploded. Locals said the decision was driven not by a sense of safety, but by the absence of alternatives.

 

“The attackers can see us what we are doing now. Why wouldn’t I feel scare working at my paddy land? We left with no option other than to face and embrace any situation. Living is more important than just getting fear,” said Loidang, a 59-year-old resident, as she continued agricultural work while recalling the previous evening’s attack.

 

Loidang said she had returned to her village after months of displacement and had no intention of going back to a relief camp. “After three months of crisis, I am here in my village. I don’t want to go anywhere or stay in relief camp,” she said.

 

She recounted that the attack took place while she was preparing dinner. The sudden gunfire and explosions left her family with no time to escape, forcing them to remain indoors all night amid fear and uncertainty. Though shaken, she said she would not confine herself to the house.

 

Another resident, Irengbam Imomacha, alleged that the attack began around 8 pm. “They fired several rounds of gun that even enter houses,” he said, adding that at least five bombs exploded across different parts of the village.

 

“The bombs might have thrown from overlooking hills which is not far from our village. We have witnessed five places where bombs were exploded. Three bombs exploded at Phougakchao Maning Leikai. Two bombs exploded at paddy land and one at premises of one of the residents. Other two exploded at Phougakchao Mamang Leikai. Above this several rounds of gun was fired,” he informed.

 

Many families had already been living in Phougakchao Ikhai for months despite security risks, while children, pregnant women, the sick and young parents stayed in relief camps. With recent improvements in the law and order situation, several of them had returned, making the latest attack a major setback.

 

Civil society organisations visited the village following the incident, as security was tightened in the area. Residents reiterated that they do not want to leave in search of safety but expect stronger protection and a thorough investigation into the attack.