Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has unequivocally censured the indiscriminate firing by militants in the Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi areas of Imphal East district, which injured four individuals, including a video journalist and an elderly woman.
The Chief Minister, in a post on X, stated, "Strongly condemn the indiscriminate firing by Kuki militants at Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi in Imphal East, which injured civilians and security personnel. This cowardly and unprovoked attack on innocent lives is an assault on peace and harmony."
Singh announced that additional security forces have been dispatched to the affected areas, emphasising the necessity of calm and unity during such turbulent times.
"Adequate security personnel have been rushed to the affected areas. The injured are receiving necessary medical assistance, and the government calls for calm and unity in the face of such challenges. Central forces and state police should have proper coordination and understanding when dealing with such situations," he added.
The firing commenced on Friday night, with militants targeting Thamnapokpi village from the nearby hills of Kangpokpi district.
An elderly woman sustained injuries and was rushed to the Yaingangpokpi Primary Health Centre for treatment. She is now reported to be out of danger.
On Saturday morning, armed men opened fire again, injuring L Kabichandra, a video journalist working for a private television channel. Kabichandra, who had been covering the incidents, was struck by a sniper bullet on his left thigh.
He was promptly hospitalised, police confirmed. Security forces responded to the firing, engaging the militants.
Additionally, two individuals, including a security personnel, were injured on Friday during another firing incident at Sanasabi in the same district.
In a separate development, a combined team comprising the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Forest Department officials, and an executive magistrate destroyed seven acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the T Lhanghoimol area of Churachandpur district on Friday.
Police confirmed that an FIR has been filed, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the cultivators.
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