Manipur: Death Toll Increased to 71, Approx 45,000 Relocated Amid Ethnic Clash

IMPHAL: In the last few days, ethnic confrontations between Kukis and Meiteis sparked violence, resulting in 71 deaths. On Friday, six commandos were hurt and one was killed in an exchange of fire.

According to a report, Kuldeep Singh said on Friday said, "Death figure is now approximately 71. Yesterday there was an exchange of fire between Manipur commandos and militants. Six commandos got injured and one of them got killed."

"Three bodies of PWD laborers along with a vehicle in which they were commuting recovered from a 300-metre-deep trench in the Churachandpur area. However, it is being ascertained whether they met with an accident or got killed," Singh further said.

Singh further claimed that three PwD laborers were discovered deceased in the Churachandpur area. Meanwhile, several locals have gone missing after being attacked by unknown intruders while going to gather items from their burned-out homes.

"Yesterday, there was an exchange of fire between Manipur commandos and militants in which six of the commandos got injured and one died," Singh said

"A massive search operation was launched by Assam Rifles, BSF, and CRPF was launched to find them out but we are not able to find them yet" added Singh.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized BJP and said, “As the Manipur violence persists, all right-thinking Indians must ask themselves what happened to the much-vaunted good governance we had been promised. The voters of Manipur are feeling grossly betrayed just a year after putting the BJP in power in their state. It’s time for President’s Rule; the state Govt is just not up to the job they were elected to do.”

On the other side, the Manipur government issued an order extending the suspension of internet access for another 5 days.

Also Read: Manipur Violence: Govt Announced Rs. 5 lakh Ex-Gratia to Deceased's Families and Rs. 2 Lakh to Injured People

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