Escalating Violence: Farmers Under Fire in Manipur

In Manipur's Imphal East district, militants have been targeting farmers, causing injuries and fear among the agricultural community. The attacks, primarily from hilltop positions, have been ongoing for three days, impacting paddy harvesting in conflict-hit areas.

A series of militant attacks targeting farmers in Manipur's Imphal East district continue to escalate. On Monday morning, a farmer was injured by gunfire originating from hilltop positions in the Kangpokpi district. This marks the third consecutive day of such assaults amid ongoing ethnic conflict.

The attacks have severely impacted paddy harvesting, with many farmers in peripheral areas afraid to work in their fields. The most recent incident occurred around 9:20 am, where militants fired upon farmers in the Yaingangpokpi Shantikhongban area. Security forces engaged in a brief gunfight to repel the militants.

This violence has escalated tensions in Manipur, where over 200 people have died and thousands displaced due to ethnic clashes between the Meiteis in the Imphal Valley and the Kukis in the surrounding hills since last year. The situation remains tense, with ongoing security challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)