Imphal, September 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): Two more persons were killed and nearly 50 injured in firing incidents in violence-hit Indian state of Manipur.

One person was killed by the firing of unknown gunmen at Pallel in Tengnoupal district of the state.

As news about the firing incident spread, a large number of people from different sides of Thoubal and Kakching districts rushed to Pallel who were stopped by the personnel of Indian Army’s Assam Rifles leading to the tense face off, in which another 48-year-old man was killed.

More than 45 women were also injured after the Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel resorted to firing of bullets and teargas shells on protesters in Pallel and Thoubal areas.

Situation is still tense and firing has temporarily stopped, the Indian officials said.

This comes two days after thousands of protesters gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Wednesday and tried to break through the Indian Army barricades in an attempt to reach their deserted houses in Torbung.

It is to mention here that more than 160 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a “Tribal Solidarity March” was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei (Hindu) community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill district.

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