Imphal: At least nine people were killed and 10 injured when suspected militants attacked a village in the Khamenlok area of ethnic-strife hit Manipur, police said on Wednesday.
The militants armed with sophisticated weapons surrounded the villagers of the Khamelok area bordering Imphal East district and Kangpoki district and launched the attack at around 1 am, the police said.
The injured have been admitted to Imphal hospital, they said.
On Monday night the gunfight took place in the Khamenlok area in exchange of fire between militants and village volunteers.
It has been reported that the security forces also exchanged fire with Kuki militants at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Tuesday.
The Kuki militants were trying to make bunkers close to Meitei localities when they were challenged by security forces resulting in the exchange of fire.
Curfew relaxation hours shortened: In a bid to take the situation under control, district authorities have cut short the curfew relaxation hours from the usual 5 am to 6 pm in Imphal East and Imphal West to 5 am to 9 am.
Curfew remains in force in 11 of the 16 districts of Manipur, while internet services are suspended in the entire northeastern state.
Ethnic clash in Manipur: At least 100 people so far have lost their lives while 310 others were injured in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki community people in Manipur that broke out a month ago.
In a bid to restore peace in the state, army and para-military personnel were deployed.
Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
