After rocket attacks, 5 killed in fresh violence in Manipur
Five people were killed in a new outbreak of violence in Manipur's Jiribam district on Saturday morning, according to police reports. The incident began when militants entered the home of a man living alone and shot him dead while he was asleep. This led to an intense exchange of fire between armed individuals from warring communities, resulting in four more deaths, India Today NE reported.
Details of the armed conflict and casualties
The armed conflict took place in the hills approximately 7km from the district headquarters. Among the four casualties were three militants based in these hills. The identity of the fifth victim, who was shot dead in his sleep, has not been disclosed yet. This incident came just a day after Kuki militants deployed long-range rockets among civilians in two locations of Bishnupur District, killing an elderly man and injuring six others.
Police response to escalating violence in Manipur
According to officials, Friday's attack marked the first known firing of rockets in the state since the conflict began 17 months ago. The escalating violence forced the Manipur administration to urge all education institutions in the state to remain closed on Saturday. Six days ago, suspected Kuki militants had also used drones to drop explosives in two locations. The militia groups likely used "impact explosives" attached to drones capable of flying at greater heights to drop bombs, security officials said.
