Manipur: 3 dead in firing between armed rioters, security forces
The death toll in the crossfire between suspected armed rioters and security forces in Manipur's Kangpokpi rose to three on Friday as one more person succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Officials said five people were wounded in the gunfight after the rioters, unprovoked, opened fire at Haraothel village on Thursday. Security forces "responded in a calibrated manner" to tackle the situation, PTI reported.
Why does this story matter?
Widespread violence has engulfed Manipur for over two months after clashes broke out between the state's tribal communities and the Meiteis, who form the state's majority and have been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Thousands of people have been displaced as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) struggles to restore peace. Hundreds of weapons stolen from state authorities by rioters are also missing.
Police, RAF dispersed crowd, situation under control: Army
Women-led protesters dared police to arrest them
After the attack on Haraothel, reportedly a Kuki village, members of the community, to which two of the rioters belonged, took out a procession with the bodies to Chief Minister N Biren Singh's residence on Thursday. The women-led procession burned tires on the road to block police movement and even dared the police to arrest them, officials said.
Rioters fired at troops responding to situation: Army
However, the protesters were stopped from marching to the CM's residence by police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. The demonstrators then turned violent, prompting security forces to lathi-charge and fire teargas shells to disperse the mob. The Indian Army said the rioters first fired at the village, and later on, two columns of the Assam Rifles headed to respond to the situation.
CM likely to resign today: Reports
Meanwhile, reports said CM Singh is likely to step down on Friday as there is no improvement in the state's law and order situation. He is expected to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey at noon on Friday. Reports said he was given the choice of either resigning or the Centre taking over, which many people of the state have been calling for.
