The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has called for an immediate emergency shutdown in Churachandpur, as the death toll in the ongoing firing in Manipur has risen to four since it began on August 29.
The shutdown will not affect essential services such as water and medical supply.
ITLF, representing the Kuki-Zo community, made this demand after two more individuals died from injuries sustained in the firing, which is occurring on the border of the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur and Meitei-dominated Bishnupur districts.
Two more casualties were reported in the last two hours, both from bomb splinter injuries. One of the deceased, LS Mangboi, was a popular local songwriter known for his song “Isn’t this our land?” which he wrote during the ongoing conflict. The other, Richard Hemkholin Guite, was a village defense volunteer who died in Churachandpur district.
This brings the total death toll from the firing to four, as two people, Jangminlun Gangte and Laibungjam Inao, died on August 29 in Churachandpur and Bishnupur respectively.
After heavy gun battles, there was a temporary lull on Wednesday evening, but security operations conducted searches in Kangpokpi, Thoubal, Churachandpur, and Imphal-West districts, resulting in the recovery of arms, ammunition, and explosives.
Since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, with a “Tribal Solidarity March” protesting against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, over 160 people have been killed.
Information provided by PTI.
