3 killed in clashes between rival groups in Manipur; All of them were from Kuki community; Naga extremists accused of violence

Three people belonging to the Kuki community were killed in a gunfight between two rival groups in Manipur's Noney district on Saturday morning. The clash took place in a forested hilly village 'Kekaru Naga', where continuous firing continued for several hours from both sides. After the incident, the police said that necessary security arrangements have been made to keep the situation under control in the area. Meanwhile, the Kuki community umbrella organisation 'Kuki Inpi Manipur' (KIM) has condemned the incident. The organisation has alleged that Naga extremist groups are behind the killings and demanded immediate strict action and justice against the culprits from the government. Rally of Meitei community in Manipur Meitei organisations took out a rally in Manipur's capital Imphal on Saturday. It demanded the protection of the local people and the cancellation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki extremist groups. The rally received support from several Naga organisations. Rallies were also held by Naga outfits in Chandel and Senapati districts. Ethnic violence has been going on in Manipur since May 2023. The protesters held posters reading 'Save Manipur' The rally was organised by the Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integration. The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Naga organisations, also supported the rally. The protesters held posters and placards reading 'Save Manipur'. They read demands like 'We want peace and justice' and 'Cancel the SoO agreement'. Over 300 killed in ethnic violence in Manipur Ethnic clashes have been going on since May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities living in the hilly areas of Manipur. At least 306 people have been killed in it, while many are still missing. Nearly 50 people have been killed so far since February this year in clashes between Kuki and Naga communities in the state. For the first time since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, security forces have taken possession of a camp set up for Kuki extremists. Out of the 159 militants registered in the camp, only one was found present. After this, questions were raised about the compliance of the SoO agreement. The agreement expired without renewal on September 4. ---------------------------------- Also Read: 4 people killed in Manipur in 24 hours: Protest outside CM's residence, police fire tear gas shells 4 people were killed in two incidents of violence in Manipur in 24 hours. One person was killed in a clash between two communities in Thoubal district on Sunday night. Read the full news...