Manipur violence: On Saturday night, two separate locations in Manipur experienced intense gunfights and explosions, reportedly instigated by suspected Kuki militants in Koutruk and Tronglaobi villages, officials confirmed on Sunday.The first incident unfolded around 7 p.m. in Koutruk Ching Leikai, located in Imphal West district, where militants believed to be Kuki forces launched an attack under the jurisdiction of Lamshang Police Station. Police sources reported that the attackers employed advanced firearms and bombs, prompting an immediate retaliation from state forces. The ensuing gun battle lasted four hours, filling the night with sporadic exchanges.According to a Koutruk Ching Leikai resident, who requested anonymity, “A drone, suspected to be launched from Bethel village and operated by Kuki militants, was sighted during the conflict.” The resident added that villagers now fear potential aerial strikes, particularly after a similar drone attack occurred in early September. Fortunately, the drone was downed shortly after being spotted.Imphal West district police assured that Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel remain on high alert, prepared to intercept any unauthorized drones detected in the region.Simultaneously, a second attack was reported in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district, approximately six kilometers south of Moirang Police Station. Around 9:15 p.m., suspected Kuki militants reportedly opened fire from the Geljang and Molshang areas. The state police, with the assistance of village volunteers, swiftly counterattacked, leading to another prolonged gunfight. Tronglaobi had previously witnessed a rocket attack by Kuki militants on September 6, underscoring ongoing volatility in the area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in either of Saturdays incidents.Two PLA cadres detainedIn a separate development, two cadres from the banned group Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) were detained on Saturday in Manipurs Tengnoupal district. A team from Assam Rifles apprehended N. Priyo Singh (21) and S. Devjit Singh (21) near border pillar 87, subsequently transferring them to Pallel Police Station.
