13 killed in a clash between unidentified militant groups in Manipur

Fresh Violence that broke out in Manipur claimed at least 13 lives in the Tengnoupal district on Monday afternoon. The security forces have stated that a gunfight broke out between two militant groups that killed the 13 people who were not residents of the area but came in from other places.

According to officials in the security forces, news of a gunfight between two militant groups at the Leithu village near Saibol in Tengnoupal district was received in the afternoon, and security forces were immediately rushed to curb the violence. “The nearest security forces were about 10km away from this place. Once our forces moved in and reached the place, they found 13 bodies in the Leithu village. The forces did not find any weapons next to the bodies,” said a security force official. The police and the security forces are yet to confirm the identities of those deceased. As per the forces, by the looks of the site of violence, those engaged in cross-firing do not appear to be residents of the area. “The police have reached the spot. They will probe the matter,” the security force official added.

This comes days after the Manipur government, after around seven months lifted the internet ban in the strife-torn state except the border areas and certain volatile districts. Ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, and the state has been grappling with the vagaries of violence that have claimed over 150 lives and displaced over 50,000.