Fresh violence erupted in Manipurs Bishnupur district on Wednesday evening when gunfire broke out between Kumbi in Bishnupur and Wangoo in Thoubal.The incident occurred as four people went missing after going to harvest ginger near the firing site. Reports indicate six rounds of mortar shelling preceded small-arms fire.The missing individuals were identified as Oinam Romen Meitei (45), Ahanthem Dara Meitei (56), Thoudam Ibomcha Meitei (53) and Thoudam Anand Meitei (27). A missing persons report was filed at the Kumbi Police Station.Earlier on January 1, clashes between unidentified armed militants and locals in Thoubals Lilong area left four dead, per police.Sporadic violence has plagued the region in recent months following the May 2022 clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have claimed 180 lives so far.Tensions erupted after a Tribal Solidarity March protested the Meiteis demand for Scheduled Tribe status in Manipurs hill districts.Prior evictions of Kuki villagers from reserve forestlands also contributed to unrest leading up to a series of smaller agitations.Authorities have not yet commented on Wednesdays incident. An investigation is underway to determine details and locate the missing individuals amid the ongoing communal tensions.
