New Delh: A devastating incident occurred today in Manipur, where 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala was killed, and her 12-year-old daughter was injured due to gunfire from suspected insurgents. Additionally, two policemen sustained injuries but are reported to be in stable condition.The attack began around 2:35 pm, originating from Nakhujang village in Kangpokpi district and targeting Kadangband in Imphal West. Eyewitnesses from Kadangband reported that at least one drone was involved, dropping what they described as a bomb on a local residence. While visual evidence of the drone and the explosion has been circulated, security forces have yet to confirm these claims.Fatal shooting inflames Kuki-Meitei tensions in ManipurNgangbam Surbala was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, situated approximately 45 kilometers from Kangpokpi. The shooting has intensified the ongoing conflict between the Kuki tribes and the Meitei community, which has been ongoing since May 2023.Heavily-armed Christian Kuki Terr0rists are firing upon the Hindu-majority Meitei villagers of Koutruk & Kadangband in #ManipurA Hindu woman Surbala has lost her life & her two children aged 7 & 10, are shot & are in critical condition (1/n)@Sanjay_Dixit @Iyervval @AskAnshul pic.twitter.com/HjABZTSHjF— Vladimir Adityanath (@VladAdiReturns) September 1, 2024Accusations escalate in Manipur conflictKangpokpi, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki tribes, and Imphal West, mainly populated by the Meitei community, have been embroiled in violence over various issues. The Meitei community has accused Kuki terrorists of being responsible for todays killing. In contrast, social media users from the Kuki tribes have claimed that the Meiteis initially attacked Kuki villages in Kangpokpi.Drone use raises fear of escalationThe conflict has potentially taken a worrying turn with the alleged deployment of weaponized drones, which, if verified, would represent a dangerous escalation in the violence. The severity and ongoing nature of the conflict are underscored by the fact that both sides have shared images capturing the shooting from distinct vantage points, providing a glimpse into the intensity of the clashes.
