In a continuation of violence and killings within India's Manipur, three individuals were killed and homes were set on fire, police authorities said on Friday (04).
The victims, all belonging to the Metei community, lost their lives in the Bishnupur district on Thursday night.
Among them were a father and son, who were attacked by militants while they were asleep in their home. The assailants used firearms and swords in the assault, which took place at approximately 3 am.
The three individuals had previously taken shelter in a relief camp but had recently returned to their homes in Kwakta following an improvement in the situation, police sources told PTI.
Upon receiving news of the incident, security forces swiftly arrived at the scene, leading to a confrontation with the militants.
Following the incident, a crowd assembled within the town, expressing a desire to proceed towards Churachandpur. However, their movement was obstructed by security personnel, the police said.
Intense gunfire exchanges unfolded between state forces and militants in the nearby area of Phougakchao and the vicinity of Kwakta, authorities reported.
The months-long outbreak of violence began on May 3 after a court ordered the state to consider extending to the majority Meitei population special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education that up to now have been reserved for the tribal Kuki people.
A spokesperson for a Kuki civil society group said it did not have an immediate comment on the latest killings.
Over 180 people have been killed and thousands have fled their homes, since the violence started in Manipur, a state of 3.2 million that borders Myanmar.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event