https://www.india.com/news/india/manipur-1-killed-several-wounded-as-armed-rioters-open-fire-towards-haraohel-village-6140257/Manipur: 1 killed, several injured as Armed rioters open fire towards the village of Haraothel

The local army unit tweeted that “unconfirmed reports” indicated some casualties in the incident, official sources said one body had been recovered from the area and a few others lay on the ground.

imphal: One person was killed and a few others injured when “rioters” opened fire without any provocation on the village of Haraotel in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday morning, sparking tensions in the area.

While the local army unit tweeted that “unconfirmed reports” pointed to some casualties in the incident, official sources said one body had been recovered from the area and a few others lay on the ground.

It was not immediately clear whether they were dead or wounded as intermittent firing continued in the area, the official sources said.

The official Twitter handle of the military, which operates in the region, gave details and said armed rioters began firing without provocation at 5:30 am.

“Friendly troops deployed to the area immediately mobilized to prevent the situation from escalating. While moving toward the site, friendly columns effectively drew fire from armed rioters,” the Army’s official “Spear Corps” handle said.

It said the troops “reacted in a calibrated manner to avoid collateral damage. Rapid action by troops resulted in the cessation of fire.

“Additional columns moved to the area. Unconfirmed reports point to some casualties. The buildup of large crowds in the area was also reported. Situation is being closely monitored and further details will follow,” the ministry said.

The area is about 20 km from the capital Imphal.

More than 100 people have so far lost their lives in communal violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state.

The clashes first erupted on May 3 after a Tribal Solidarity March was organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis represent about 53 percent of Manipur’s population and mainly live in the Imphal valley. Tribes – Nagas and Kukis – make up another 40 percent of the population and live in the hill districts.

(Only the headline has been reworked by India.com staff. Copy is from a syndicated feed)