Manipur: Violence escalates; arms and ammunition recovered

Villagers of Imphal East said firing began on February 10 and was still continuing till Thursday.

Police said three people have so far died and many others were injured.

As the attacks continued, those defending the villages demanded arms, ammunition, and security.

The situation turned violent on Tuesday when youths stormed some police stations, demanding security and arms.

Police said some youths managed to enter a police training centre at Imphal East and took some arms. Police fired at them, resulting in the death of a youth. On Wednesday, police managed to recover all arms and detain six people. They have been remanded into police custody by a judicial magistrate.

Police said to stop the attacks, operations were launched, and so far Projectile Launcher, improvised Grenade Launcher, improvised Projectile, Uzi SubMachine GGun,along with Magazine, Grenade (one) WP Smoke, detonators, a Pt 303 rifle with magazine, 12-inch single-bore barrel guns, and an explosive device were recovered.

Police said a militant was also nabbed, and the movement of 224 and 192 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2, respectively, with essential items, has been ensured.

However, movement of Meitei people on national highways still couldn't be restored since the crisis started on May 3, 2023.

The villagers who fled due to the attacks, speaking to the media here on Thursday, said the Kuki militants were using sophisticated weapons, and they have bombarded the villages nonstop. Videos of children hiding behind a bush due to attacks by Kuki militants went viral.