Heightened Security and Fresh Violence: Manipur's Ongoing Ethnic Clashes

Security was raised in Manipur after fresh violence resulted in multiple deaths. Anti-drone systems were deployed to counter the new use of drones in attacks. Prohibitory orders were imposed in Jiribam following five deaths. Ethnic clashes have displaced thousands and caused numerous fatalities since May last year.

Security was heightened in Manipur on Sunday following a fresh bout of violence that left several people dead, officials confirmed.

The situation remained tense but under control, according to authorities. ''No new incidents of violence have so far been reported on Sunday. SPs of various districts, in coordination with security forces, are continuously monitoring the situation,'' said an official.

The Assam Rifles deployed anti-drone systems around the Imphal Valley to repel any ''rogue drones'' being used in the ethnic clashes that have plagued the region. The CRPF has also handed an anti-drone system to state police for deployment.

Drones, a new element in these ethnic clashes, were first used on September 1 in Koutruk village, resulting in two deaths and nine injuries from the attack. Additional drone attacks occurred in Senjam Chirang, injuring three more individuals.

Prohibitory orders were issued in Jiribam district on Saturday night, banning gatherings of five or more people. This follows the killing of five individuals in the district. Militants reportedly entered a person's house and shot him dead in his sleep, inciting a heavy exchange of fire between warring communities that led to four more deaths.

Previous ethnic violence in Jiribam in June and mid-July had already displaced thousands to relief camps, with a CRPF jawan killed in an ambush by militants.

(With inputs from agencies.)