Tragedy struck the Khamelock village in Manipur as a group of unidentified gunmen attacked, resulting in the deaths of 11 people and leaving 23 others injured, according to local authorities.
Late on Tuesday night, heavily armed militants launched an assault on the village, opening fire on its residents with automatic weapons. The attack claimed the lives of nine individuals on the spot, with an additional two succumbing to their injuries while receiving medical treatment. Among the injured are several women, and their conditions are reported to be critical, raising concerns that the death toll may rise.
The mortal remains of the victims have been transported to the mortuary at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Porompat, Imphal.
Khamelock village is situated on the border between the Meitei-dominated Imphal East district and the tribal-inhabited Kangpokpi district. The area has been plagued by recent clashes, leading to numerous fatalities. In response to the incident, additional paramilitary forces have been deployed in Khamelock.
Given the gravity of the situation, the District Magistrates in Imphal East and Imphal West districts have revoked the relaxation of the curfew, which is typically eased from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Manipur has been grappling with a wave of ethnic violence since May 3, resulting in the loss of over 120 lives and leaving more than 350 individuals injured. The violence has also caused extensive damage to thousands of houses, numerous private and government vehicles, and other properties. (Edited)