"Shocking Violence in Imphal: Journalist Injured as Manipur Erupts in Tensions, CM Voices Strong Condemnation"

A journalist suffered gunshot wounds to his left thigh while reporting on a clash between militants and security forces in Thamnapokpi village, according to police sources.

A video journalist encountered injuries due to gunfire from armed individuals in the hills of Imphal East district, Manipur, on Saturday, as reported by local authorities. The Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, expressed strong condemnation regarding the recent militant assaults in the areas of Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi.

L Kabichandra, working as a video journalist for Impact TV, a local news channel, suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh while he was documenting the conflict between armed militants and security personnel in Thamnapokpi village. Hospital sources indicated that the bullet had traversed through his thigh, resulting in a fractured bone, leading to his immediate transfer to Raj Medicity in Imphal for medical care.

In the wake of this incident, security forces mobilized to conduct extensive search operations in the affected locations, specifically targeting the Uyok hill range, which has been identified as a spot where suspected Kuki militants have launched strikes against the Meitei communities.

Since the onset of ethnic strife on May 3 of the previous year, Manipur has seen heightened tensions, primarily involving the Meitei community, which holds the majority in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal Kukis, who have a significant presence in several hill districts. This prolonged conflict has resulted in over 250 fatalities and displaced tens of thousands of residents from their homes.

Recent attacks were reported in Imphal on December 24, leading to a rise in sporadic shooting incidents within the district. On Friday night, an elderly woman was caught in the crossfire of militants targeting Thamnapokpi from the adjacent Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. Additionally, two individuals, including a police commando, were reported injured due to gunfire in Sanasabi earlier on the same day.

Chief Minister Singh condemned the reckless gunfire perpetrated by Kuki militants at both Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi, emphasizing the impact on civilians and security personnel alike. He described the attacks as cowardly and unprovoked assaults on innocent lives, which undermine the fabric of peace and social harmony.

In response to the escalating violence, Singh announced that extra security forces had been deployed to the affected regions and urged the public to maintain calm and unity amidst such turmoil. He stressed the importance of collaboration between central forces and state police to effectively address the situation and provide security for the residents.

In light of the ongoing crisis, the government is ensuring that those injured receive the essential medical care they require while also calling for communal peace and strength to overcome the challenges presented by these violent encounters.