Deadly Gunfight Escalates Ethnic Tensions in Manipur

A gunfight in Manipur, India, left ten armed men dead after an attempted attack on a police station. The state has faced ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with ongoing violence leading to numerous casualties and displacements.

In a violent escalation of ongoing ethnic tensions in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, ten armed men were killed on Monday during a gunfight with security forces, according to officials. The confrontation followed an alleged attack on a police station.

Manipur, a state of 3.2 million, has been gripped by unrest since clashes erupted last year between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis. The tension arose after a court suggested extending special economic benefits and quotas to the Meiteis, which were previously enjoyed only by the Kukis.

The recent conflict has divided the state into two ethnic enclaves. Over 250 lives have been lost and 60,000 people displaced. State police have labeled the attackers as "armed militants," responding with heavy gunfire to control the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)