At least 5 Including a Cop Die in Fresh Violence in Manipur; Amit Shah to Visit State Today

Imphal: At least five people, including one police personnel, were killed and a dozen others were injured during the fresh violence that erupted in Manipur on Sunday. Till now ethnic violence has claimed at least 80 lives in the state.

This violence occurred ahead of Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the ethnic violence-hit Manipur. Incidents of violence were reported in several parts of the state after alleged terrorists, carrying sophisticated weapons, set fire to many houses in Serou and Sugunu area.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday said “40 terrorists” have been killed in the state during the last couple of days.

“The terrorists have been using M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles and sniper guns against civilians. They came to many villages to burn down homes. We have started taking very strong action against them with the help of the army and other security forces. We have got reports some 40 terrorists have been shot dead,” CM Singh told reporters.

The Chief Minister said the spurt in violent attacks on civilians on the outskirts of Imphal valley in the past two days seemed well-planned. Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Manipur today. He has appealed to both the Meiteis and the Kukis to maintain calm and peace and work for bringing normalcy.