https://www.india.com/news/india/video-bjp-office-attacked-tear-gas-shells-fired-as-fresh-violence-rocks-manipurs-imphal-6140413/Video: BJP Office attacked, Tear gas grenades fired as new violence flares up Manipur

Earlier today, a man was killed while several others were injured after armed rioters opened unprovoked fire on Haraothel village in Kangpokpi district.

Impal, ManipurImphal was rocked by new violence on Thursday night as a large crowd gathered at the Khwairanband Bazaar in the heart of Manipur’s capital, where the body of a man killed earlier in the morning in a shootout in Kangpokpi district was brought and placed in a traditional coffin.

Protesters gathered and a mob threatened to carry the body in a procession to the prime minister’s residence, officials said, according to news agency PTI, adding that an office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was also attacked during the clash.

Police responded by firing tear gas grenades at the protesters in an attempt to disperse the rowdy crowd.

VIDEO | Police fire tear gas canisters to control a crowd that had gathered near the local BJP office in Imphal, Manipur. pic.twitter.com/GVfF9qFcaN

— Press Confidence of India (@PTI_News) June 29, 2023

Earlier today, a man was killed while several others were injured after armed rioters opened unprovoked fire on Haraothel village in Kangpokpi district.

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 city of Imphal.

The Manipur Violence

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

Violent demonstrations erupted in the Torbung area of ​​Churachandpur district on May 3 during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ convened by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) to protest against the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who Dominate Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Thousands took to the streets and joined the solidarity march that quickly turned violent as clashes erupted between tribes and non-tribes in the area, which soon spread to other districts.

After the clashes, the Indian army was called in to quell the raging violence, even as the state governor authorized firing on sight under extreme conditions.

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

(with PTI inputs)