Imphal: In recent days, Manipur has witnessed a surge in violence, as fifth person succumbed to injuries on Wednesday after being shot on Monday night in Lilong, NDTV reported.
The victim, a driver, fell victim to a stray bullet while returning home.
A dedicated special investigation team is currently probing the incident in Lilong.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has also issued warning to those contributing to the turmoil. The unsettling development comes amid rising tension, and Singh cautioned troublemakers that they would bear responsibility if GoI opts to reimpose the stringent Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in valley areas.
Complicating matters, in regions where the Kuki tribes form a majority, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) declared a 24-hour shutdown until Wednesday midnight.
This shutdown served as a protest against alleged atrocities committed by the state police, a longstanding demand of the Kuki tribes residing in the hill areas.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, Chief Minister Singh declared himself “highly upset” and cautioned that those contributing to the tensions could face stringent government action, including the reimposition of AFSPA.
He appealed to the public not to resort to violence and emphasized the importance of reporting suspicions or actions to the authorities.
