Fresh firing at Torbung in Manipur's Bishnupur district has triggered protests, with local organisations announcing an economic blockade unless those responsible are arrested.
Imphal, July 5: Fresh tension has gripped Manipur's Bishnupur district after alleged firing by suspected Kuki militants at Torbung and nearby Phougakchao late on Friday night, prompting local civil society organisations to announce an economic blockade unless those responsible are arrested within 24 hours.
According to representatives of several local organisations, the firing took place at around 11:25 pm in the Meetei area of Phougakchao and Torbung, a locality that has remained one of the flashpoints of the ethnic violence between the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
Addressing a joint press conference at the Community Hall in Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai on Saturday, Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai Meira Paibi leader Keithellakpam Kegeshana alleged that armed Kuki militants carried out the attack, creating panic among residents and disrupting the relative calm that had prevailed in recent weeks.
The press conference was attended by representatives of several local organisations, including the Torbung United Club (TUC), Lamthabung Area Voluntary Association (LAVA), Youth Development Organisation (YDO), Social Youth Development Organisation (SYDOP), Youth Development Club (YDC), and Ibudhou Thangjing Youth Development Organisation (ITYDO).
Kegeshana claimed that the latest firing had once again left civilians living in fear and questioned the effectiveness of the security forces deployed in the area. He said residents expected security personnel to provide protection and prevent such attacks from recurring.
He further announced that local organisations had resolved to impose an economic blockade along Tiddim Road if the persons responsible for the firing were not identified, arrested and proceeded against under the law within 24 hours. He also warned that additional forms of democratic agitation would be launched if no action was taken.
The organisations alleged that despite repeated incidents since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict in May 2023, adequate security has not been ensured for residents living in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, the Apex Committee of Meetei IDPs, Manipur also issued a statement strongly condemning what it described as an "unprovoked firing" at Torbung Maning on the night of July 4.
The committee said such incidents endanger civilian lives and weaken ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state. It urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and take prompt legal action.
The committee also appealed to security agencies to reinforce deployment in vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks and protect civilian lives and property.
Expressing solidarity with the affected residents, the Apex Committee reiterated its commitment to peace, justice and the protection of displaced communities. It also extended support to the joint public notification issued by the seven civil society and youth organisations of Torbung and Phougakchao.
There was no immediate statement from the Manipur Police or security agencies regarding the reported firing or the demand for arrests at the time of filing this report.
