Miscreants Open Fire to Derail Resettlement in Manipur

Police said no one was injured in the firing, though it triggered panic among residents. This is the first such incident reported in Manipur’s so-called “fringe areas” in the past few months. Security sources noted that while these areas—where Meitei and Kuki-Zo settlements lie close to each other—have remained tense since the conflict erupted in May 2023, incidents of violence had largely subsided since November last year.

According to security officials, the firing occurred in the Torbung–Phougakchou Ikhai area along the Churachandpur–Bishnupur border. This was among the first regions to witness violence on May 3, 2023, leading to the displacement of families from both communities.

Officials said that 97 Meitei families from Bishnupur district have been resettled in the area this month and have received an instalment of financial assistance from the government. A group of families had moved into the Phougakchou Ikhai area as recently as Monday.

“There had been earlier movements of people, which took place quietly. However, the visit of some civil society organisation leaders to the area on Monday may have drawn attention from the other side. The firing has since stopped and no injuries were reported,” police said.

Following the incident, several displaced residents—especially women and children—who had returned to their homes in the Phougakchou Ikhai vicinity after nearly two years fled again and took shelter in nearby areas.

Security sources said additional forces have been deployed and security measures have been intensified to prevent further escalation.