Manipur Chief Minister's convoy attacked, one injured

The convoy of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was ambushed by armed militants in Kangpokpi district on Monday, in which one security person was injured.

According to sources from the Chief Minister's office, the convoy was en route to Jiribam district from Imphal when it came under attack along the National Highway-37 around 10.30 am.

The Chief Minister was planning to visit Jiribam, which has been gripped by unrest over the past few days after unknown miscreants killed a man on June 6. Biren Singh was planning to visit the region on Tuesday. The killing of the man in Jiribam led to the torching of around 70 houses, including a few government offices, and hundreds of citizens fleeing the area.

The man, a 59-year-old farmer from the Meitei community, was killed. Identified as Soibam Saratkumar Singh, he went missing while returning from his farm, the police said, adding his body had wounds inflicted by sharp object.

Jiribam, home to Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis, and non-Manipuris, had previously remained unaffected by the ethnic strife. The conflict between Imphal valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kukis has resulted in more than 200 deaths and left thousands homeless.