Thoubal: In a shocking incident in Manipurs Thoubal district on Monday evening, three individuals were tragically shot dead, and five others sustained injuries. The assailants, yet to be identified, donned camouflage attire as they unleashed terror in the Lilong Chingjao area, indiscriminately opening fire on locals.Immediate aftermath: Loss of lives, vehiclesThe grim incident resulted in the immediate loss of three lives, while five individuals were rushed to the hospital with injuries. Simultaneously, the enraged locals, grappling with the shock and grief, set three four-wheelers ablaze, though the ownership of these vehicles remains unclear.Reinstating curfew In the wake of the fresh outbreak of violence, authorities swiftly reinstated a curfew in Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. This decisive measure aims to curb further unrest and maintain public safety in the affected regions.Chief Ministers condemnation, call for peaceExpressing deep concern, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in a video message, condemned the heinous act and urged the residents, particularly in Lilong, to maintain peace. Assuring swift action, he stated, Police are working to arrest those behind the attack. They will be arrested soon and punished as per the law.Lingering ethnic tensionsThe recent tragedy adds to the prevailing unrest in Manipur, with more than 180 lives lost and several hundred injured since May 3. The initial spark was ignited during a Tribal Solidarity March, organized in protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status, leading to ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and the Nagas/Kukis.As Manipur grapples with the aftermath of this latest act of violence, the authorities face the daunting task of restoring calm and preventing further escalation.
