An India Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan and a civilian were killed in an ambush carried out by unidentified armed individuals in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The jawan was identified as Henminlen Vaiphei and the civilian as Thangminlun Hangsing.
The shooting occurred at a place between Haraothel and Kobsha villages. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the attack, PTI reported.
Tensions in the region have escalated, with the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) condemning the assault on the Kuki-Zo community and announcing an “emergency shutdown” in Kangpokpi district.
The tribal organisation alleges that the community was targeted without provocation.
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The Kangpokpi-based COTU, in a meeting, further called for separate administration arrangements for tribals. The demand reflects the ongoing ethnic dispute between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has troubled Manipur since early May.
With over 180 lives lost since the outbreak of violence on May 3, the situation remains tense, emerging from protests against the Meitei community’s push for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis constitute 53 per cent of Manipur’s population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 per cent of the state’s population, mainly in the hill districts.
Additional security forces have been deployed in the area to apprehend those responsible for the recent incident.
(With inputs from PTI)