On Wednesday night, new rounds of violence were reported in Kadangband, Manipur's Imphal West district.
At least three incidences of violence were recorded in the neighbourhood, prompting authorities to enhance security.
Speaking to reporters, Manipur Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh provided details about an incident stating that at approximately 1:30 am i.e. on Wednesday unidentified armed individuals allegedly opened fire from the higher elevation of Singda Kadangband.
As a result, one individual suffered gunshot wounds to their right little finger and right thigh. Prompt action was taken, and the injured person was airlifted to RIMS Hospital for medical treatment.
In response to the situation, the BSF (Border Security Force) and one section of the MR (Manipur Rifles) swiftly arrived at the location, conducting an operation to establish control and ensure dominance over the area.
Earlier on Tuesday, security officials apprehended former BJP MLA Telvum Thangzalam Haokip and two others.
In the state affected by ongoing conflict, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh revealed that a former MLA was identified as the mastermind behind the plot to instigate new waves of unrest.
This revelation comes in the wake of a previous incident that resulted in the tragic loss of at least 71 lives and the displacement of 35,000 individuals over two weeks ago.
A joint security team apprehended Haokip and two armed men, named Bicky Singson and John Gangte, from the New Checkon area of Imphal West district, which is home to a mix of Kuki, Meitei, and other ethnic groups.
Haokip also had two licensed weapons taken from his possession.
Notably, a crowd set fire to abandoned homes belonging to members of the Kuki community at New Checkon Bazaar on Monday after a few miscreants threatened traders and forced them to close their stores.
In response to reports of four armed suspects threatening shopkeepers in the New Chekon area and subsequently moving to the New Lambulane area of Imphal East district, the Indian Army released a statement indicating the deployment of three Army/Assam Rifles columns.
This action was taken to address the escalating hostilities in the region. The Army, Assam Rifles, police, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) rapidly sealed off the area.
Swift action resulted in fast control of the throng, and three individuals, along with two single barrel 12 bore guns, were arrested and turned over to authorities."
In 2017, Haokip was a BJP MLA from the Henglep constituency. Later that year, he withdrew from the party and ran for Congress.
Prior to the 2022 Assembly elections, he decided to align himself with the Shiv Sena.
