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The violence in Manipur continues to escalate, with the latest incident being the discovery of two bodies in Jiribam district. The deceased, Laishram Balen and Maibam Kesho, were elderly men who died after suspected militants set fire to shops in the Jakuradhor Karong area. The incident followed a gunfight between suspected militants and security forces on Monday, where eleven suspected militants were killed.
The search for five missing persons led to the discovery of the bodies in the debris. The Jiribam district administration imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further unrest, while a shutdown was observed in Kuki-Zo majority areas in the hills to protest the killings of suspected insurgents during the gunfight. The Kuki-Zo Council called for the shutdown to express their grief and solidarity with those killed.
The gunfight occurred after insurgents armed with sophisticated weapons attacked a police station and an adjacent CRPF camp in Jiribam. The exchange of fire resulted in injuries to two CRPF personnel, with one in critical condition. The situation in Jiribam remained tense despite the presence of police patrols. Fresh violence was reported from Imphal Valley, where armed groups engaged in exchanges of fire. Improvised mortar shells were found in two villages of Imphal West district, indicating ongoing tensions and the presence of armed groups. Reinforcement teams have been deployed to disturbed areas to flush out militants.
The article underscores the escalating conflict in Manipur, marked by violent confrontations between militants and security forces. The incidents highlight the deep-rooted ethnic tensions and the ongoing struggle for control in the region. The shutdown in Kuki-Zo majority areas reflects the widespread anger and frustration among the communities affected by the violence. The discovery of bodies and the ongoing operations against militants underscore the volatile situation and the continued risk to civilian lives.