Sources: 13 Killed in Manipur Gunfight near Myanmar Border Were Not Locals

Thirteen individuals who were killed in a gunfight near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur were not local residents and may have been passing through the area when they clashed with another armed group, according to sources. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.

The gunfight took place in Leithao village, located in Tengnoupal district, approximately 10 km from the international border. Manipur Police have confirmed the deaths and have registered a case. In an official statement, the state police stated, “On 04.12.2023, in a gunfight between unknown armed miscreants at Leithao village near Saibol in Tengnoupal District under Machi Police Station, 13 (thirteen) persons have been killed. District police and security forces rushed to the spot, a case has been registered and investigation is going on.”

Sources within the security forces deployed in Manipur suggested that the deceased individuals may have been involved in a gunfight with a rival group, resulting in their deaths. The police have not released any information regarding the identities of those killed and have described them as “armed miscreants.” It is believed that the bodies were discovered by security forces, and reports indicate that the deceased were not from the area and could have been passing through.

Security forces sources suspect that the individuals killed may be associated with an underground group. Manipur Police have debunked a viral video that was being circulated in connection with the incident.

This incident of violence adds to the ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has been ongoing since May and has already claimed the lives of over 180 individuals, leaving several thousand people homeless. The latest incident highlights the cycle of violence that Manipur has been experiencing, with two ethnic groups armed and engaged in conflict, resulting in loss of life.