Imphal, (June 10, 2024) – As soon as the polls ended in India, violence erupted once again in the northeastern state of Manipur. Kuki militants opened fire on the convoy of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, injuring a security guard. The incident took place on Monday morning, as reported by India Today.

The attack occurred on National Highway No. 37, near T Laijong village, approximately 26 km from the state capital Imphal. The convoy, part of the Chief Minister's advance security team, was en route to Jiribam district to prepare for Singh's scheduled visit on Tuesday. The Kuki militants launched a sudden attack, firing indiscriminately at the convoy.

Manipur has been experiencing heightened tensions following the conclusion of the polling session last Thursday. Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have intensified, leading to casualties and displacements, particularly in Jiribam district. More than 200 Meitei villagers have fled the area under threat from Kuki militants and are currently housed in a relief camp at the local Giki Sports Complex.

Anandabazar newspaper reported that the situation in Jiribam had been relatively stable over the past year, but tensions flared up again after the Lok Sabha polls. The recent discovery of farmer S Sarath Kumar Singh's body, with his throat slit, in the Faizal Punji forest has exacerbated the situation. Local communities, particularly the Meitei, have accused the Kuki militants of the murder, leading to protests and further unrest.

The violence in Manipur coincides with Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister for a third term. While the ceremony took place in Delhi, terrorist attacks occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 10 deaths and 33 injuries. The attack on Chief Minister Singh’s convoy underscores the persistent security challenges in Manipur, which was a significant concern during Modi's second term due to frequent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Chief Minister Biren Singh's planned visit to the troubled Jiribam district aims to address the escalating violence and reassure the local population. However, the attack on his security convoy highlights the volatile situation and the ongoing threat posed by militant groups in the region.