Imphal, Manipur: Army called as intense gunfight unfolds near senior cop's home

In the capital city of Imphal, Manipur, a furious gunfight broke out between an armed group and the security guards of a top police officer on Tuesday. According to the police, the gunfight took place in the Wankhei neighbourhood of Imphal West, outside the home of M. Amit Singh, the Additional Superintendent of Police.

Here's what the authorities had to say:

The armed group reportedly destroyed a clinic and Mr. Singh's home. The seven doctors that make up Singh's family own the clinic. It has been said that at least 20–30 armed individuals forced open the gate and started shooting. According to the father of the police officer, Amit was not home when the attack took place this evening.

Gunfight lashed out!

Images from the gunfight that have been circulated on social media show the surrounding inhabitants frantically seeking shelter in the dark as automatic gunfire cracks loudly. The state police, army, and Assam Rifles have taken over the region and are looking for the armed gang.

Amid tension! 

The incident takes place in the midst of ethnic violence and tension in the northeast state, where for the past nine months, armed groups from the valley-majority Meiteis and the hill-majority Kuki-Zo tribes have been fighting for control over territories close to the foothills. 
Since May 2023, hundreds of people have been internally displaced, and over 200 people have perished in the violence in Manipur.