Imphal: Violence erupted again in Manipur on Saturday. In Jiribam district this morning, gunmen shot an elderly man in the head while he was sleeping and killed him. There was a shootout between two communities in the hilly area of Jiribam. Two people lost their lives in this.
On the other hand, late at night in Imphal West and Imphal East, the mob attacked the Manipur Rifles Headquarters. The angry mob wanted to snatch weapons from the security forces. The police retaliated along with CRPF personnel. They fired several rounds from pellet guns. Mock bombs and tear gas shells were also fired.
The clash between security forces and the mob continued throughout the night. 5 people are reported to be injured. They have been admitted to JNIMS Hospital. There is no confirmation of looting of weapons or ammunition so far. However, the number of dead and injured in the violence at both places may increase.
In view of the tension in the state, all schools and colleges have been closed. The Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called for a work stoppage and public curfew to protest the government’s failure to maintain law and order. All shops in Imphal have remained closed since morning. The streets and markets are deserted.