The situation in Manipur remains critical as fresh violence erupts across multiple districts, further escalating ethnic tensions in the region. On Saturday, a tragic incident occurred in Bishnupur district when a woman working in her fields in the Saiton area was shot and killed by suspected militants from the hills. The attackers, believed to be hill-based insurgents, opened fire from higher ground, targeting the agricultural lands in the Imphal Valley, according to PTI reports.
The woman died instantly, exacerbating unrest in the local community. Locals have criticized the central security forces stationed in the area, accusing them of failing to intervene or prevent the attack. In response, additional troops have been deployed to the region to control the situation, PTI reported.
This incident follows a similar act of violence just two days earlier in Jiribam district, where a 31-year-old woman was killed during a militant assault on the tribal Hmar village. Armed militants set fire to multiple homes in Zairon Hmar village, and the woman’s charred body was discovered later. Local reports identify the victim as Zosangkim, a teacher and mother of three, who was allegedly shot by “armed Meitei militants.” The attack, carried out by insurgents, left several houses burnt and forced villagers to flee for their lives.
The violence is part of the broader ethnic conflict between the Meitei community, based in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribes living in the hill districts. According to Hmar community organizations, the attackers specifically targeted Zosangkim and other villagers, leading to widespread displacement and fear. The tragic incident highlights the severe insecurity faced by communities in Manipur, where over 200 people have lost their lives since May last year due to the ongoing ethnic strife.
The continuous escalation of violence underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive security strategy to restore peace and protect civilians in the region. As the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups show no sign of abating, both local and central authorities face mounting pressure to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
