Clash between two feuding clans in Manipur, 13 killed
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![Photo: Collected](https://imaginary.barta24.com/resize?width=1280&quality=75&type=webp&path=uploads/news/2023/Dec/05/1701744609996.jpg)
Photo: Collected
At least 13 people were killed in a gunfight between two armed groups in Leithu village of Tengnupal district in the Indian state of Manipur, bordering Myanmar. Yesterday, Monday (December 4). This gun battle took place between noon and afternoon. The security forces were at least 10 kilometers away, according to various media in Manipur. Indian media NDTV has published this news citing officials of the security forces of the state.
According to media reports, the death toll was reported on Monday (December 4) between the two groups, four days after the Central and Manipur governments signed a peace accord with the state's oldest armed group, the United National Liberation Force (UNLF). The police recovered the bodies of 13 people. However, their identity is yet to be confirmed.
However, the state police is not yet sure whether the gunfight took place between two armed groups. The police believe that this clash has nothing to do with the ethnic conflict that has been going on for the past seven months.
A section of observers believe that those killed may also be armed fighters from other states or countries.
According to police, based on initial observations, a fight between two groups was reported in Leithu village, a place called Saibol in Tengnupal. Thirteen people are believed to have died in the fighting.
A senior officer of the Manipur Police said that the place has been surrounded and a search is being conducted. It is being investigated how this incident happened.
The situation in Manipur remained peaceful on Monday night. The official also said that this incident has nothing to do with ethnic conflict.
The state government lifted the ban on mobile internet services from vast areas of Manipur from last Sunday. After about seven long months, the ban was almost completely lifted. However, this ban remained in place in the hilly areas.
More than 175 people have lost their lives in Manipur since May 3 this year in continuous ethnic clashes. Thousands of people are still in relief camps after losing their homes. At least 60,000 people lost their homes during the violence. After a long six months of conflict, this state of northeast India has been relatively calm for the past one month.
Local newspapers were writing that peace was returning permanently to the state. Through dialogue between the majority on one side and the hill tribes on the other. At such a time, suddenly there was news of violence.