Four UNLF militants injured in clash with Arambai Tenggol members
What's the story
A violent clash broke out on Saturday between members of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and a radical Meitei organization called Arambai Tenggol.
The confrontation happened in Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai in the Imphal East district of Manipur.
According to police reports, four UNLF militants sustained injuries during this altercation. They have since been taken into custody and are currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
Attack details
Arambai Tenggol members attacked UNLF militants
The clash erupted when about 15-20 members of Arambai Tenggol stormed the house of a UNLF militant, Irengbam Nandakumar Singh.
The attack was directed at the insurgents of the Imphal Valley-based outfit.
Four UNLF militants in Singh's house sustained blunt force injuries from sticks in the confrontation according to a police officer who was familiar with the matter.
Information
Police registered FIRs against social media channels
Police rushed to the spot after the situation escalated to a gunfire exchange between both groups.Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei organization, has been in clashes with Kuki village volunteers until February when they had submitted their firearms. In response to the ongoing violence, police filed six FIRs against WhatsApp groups and social media channels for spreading "fake and inflammatory news."
Aftermath
Security forces conducted raid after the clash
After the clash, security forces arrested four UNLF militants, but the attackers fled.
Later that night, security forces raided an Arambai Tenggol office in the Khurai area of the Imphal East district. They seized three four-wheelers, 15g of suspected heroin, eight bulletproof plates, and more, including wireless handsets, bayonets, and swords.
No Arambai Tenggol members involved in the incident have been arrested yet.
Ongoing violence
Ethnic violence has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023
Police have also threatened other channels with legal action if they spread fake or inflammatory news.
Since May '23, ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups has claimed over 250 lives and thousands have been displaced from their homes.
Tensions continue as authorities investigate the incident and keep a watch on both UNLF and Arambai Tenggol groups' activities.