GUWAHATI: In a tragic turn of events, security forces in India’s northeastern state of Manipur resorted to tear gas and gunfire to disperse a gathering of approximately 500 individuals on Friday. The incident resulted in the loss of one life and left 20 others wounded, according to police officials.
Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic unrest since May, witnessed this outbreak of violence as security forces attempted to prevent members of the majority Meitei ethnic group from entering a village inhabited by the minority Kuki community, a spokesperson for the police disclosed.
Another police official revealed that a few paramilitary personnel also sustained injuries during the confrontation. This unsettling episode unfolded just one day before the commencement of the Group of 20 (G20) summit hosted by India’s capital, New Delhi, situated approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) away.
Violence Continues in Manipur
Further complicating the situation, reports indicated that groups of armed individuals engaged in clashes with security forces in other regions of Manipur. However, it remains unclear whether these incidents are directly related to the ongoing ethnic strife.
Since the eruption of conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities over the distribution of economic benefits and quotas, Manipur has witnessed a surge in violence, leading to over 200 casualties and the displacement of thousands of residents.
The situation in Manipur continues to pose significant challenges for authorities.
