Shillong, September 12: In Manipur’s Kangpopki district, unidentified militants shot dead at least three tribals in a troubling incident.
The attackers, described as armed extremists, targeted villages between Ireng and Karam along the border of Imphal West and Kangpopki districts.
As per IANS, the assailants arrived in tribal-dominated villages early in the morning and swiftly departed before security forces could respond. This grim incident follows recent clashes and crossfire in Tengnoupal district, where three individuals lost their lives. Various tribal organizations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), have strongly condemned these killings.
ITLF leader Ginza Vualzong expressed concerns about the involvement of well-trained terrorist groups, emphasizing the challenges they pose to peace efforts in the state.
Reports have also indicated the resurgence of banned valley-based groups in Manipur. Vualzong called for the Central government to take action against these insurgent groups and reinstate the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in valley areas, citing concerns about the state government’s alignment with the majority community.