Manipur: Two killed, many injured in fresh firing

Molnoi is a Kuki-Zomi dominated village, while Pallel has a mixed population dominated by the Meitei community.

In a statement, Manipur police said that the firing began when ‘armed miscreants’ attempted arson and attack in the village, after which thousands of people began moving towards Pallel.

“Being blocked by security forces, some armed miscreants from within the mob fired at Security Forces resulting in gunshot injuries to an army officer who was evacuated by helicopter to military hospital for treatment. Three other police personnel were also injured during the crowd dispersal,” stated Manipur Police.

According to police, the security forces used ‘minimum force’ to disperse the mob.

However, two people who were part of the mob were killed while many more were injured.

One of the deceased has been identified as 46-year-old Yengkhom Jiten of Kakching district. While more than 50 people have reportedly been injured, 12 of them – including three Manipur police personnel – have been admitted to hospitals in Imphal.

In the meantime, women, children and the elderly residing in Molnoi evacuated the village in the morning.

“Once the firing began, we moved into a school in Molnoi for shelter. Some other people also took shelter in the church. Then, at around 11-11:30, we evacuated after the Tengnoupal police and Assam Rifles created a safe passage for us. Some people have gone to stay in the houses of relatives in villages further into the hills but most have gone to Tengnoupal district headquarters. The men remain in the village to defend it,” said a resident of Molnoi.