INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
IMPHAL: At least nine people were killed and 10 sustained injuries in a terrorist attack on a village in Manipur's Khamenlok, the police
said on Wednesday.The terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, surrounded villagers of Khamelok, bordering Imphal East district and
The attack was launched around 1 am, the police said.The injured have been admitted to Imphal hospital, they said.The area lies along the
borders of the Meitei-dominated Imphal East district and tribal-majority Kangpokpi district.On Monday, night nine people were injured in a
gunfight in the Khamenlok area in exchange of fire between terrorists and village volunteers.The security forces also exchanged fire with
Kuki militants at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Tuesday, they said.The terrorists were trying to make bunkers close to Meitei
localities when they were challenged by security forces resulting in the exchange of fire.Meanwhile, the district authorities have cut short
the curfew relaxation hours from the usual 5 am to 6 pm in Imphal East and Imphal West to 5 am to 9 am.At least 100 people lost their lives
and 310 others were injured in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki community people in Manipur that broke out a month ago
Army and para-military personnel were deployed to restore peace in the state.Curfew remains in force in 11 of the 16 districts of Manipur,
while internet services are suspended in the entire northeastern state.Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March'
was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.Meiteis account for
about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of
the population and reside in the hill districts.(With agency inputs)
