GUWAHATI: In a distressing turn of events, Manipur's Urangpat and Kwatka regions have been hit by unprovoked firing and an IED blast on Wednesday evening.
At approximately 7:15 PM local time, a powerful IED blast took place on a bridge near Ward No. 9, south of Kwakta.
Preliminary reports suggest that the explosive device was planted in a vehicle, likely an SUV.
Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the blast, and four others sustained injuries.
However, official confirmation on the exact number of casualties is still pending. Eyewitnesses mentioned that they saw the driver of the Scorpio exit the vehicle before the explosion occurred.
Prior to the IED blast, at around 5:45 PM, residents in the Imphal East area reported hearing the sound of gunshots originating from automatic small arms near Urangpat, north of YKPI.
However, the situation has been brought under control by security forces.
Further reports have stated that on June 21, at approximately 5 PM, firing was directed towards N Boljang Village, located south of Kanchup in Imphal West.
Assam Rifle troops retaliated swiftly, successfully bringing the situation under control.
While casualties resulting from this incident have not been confirmed, security forces remain vigilant to prevent any escalation of violence.
In the Kangpokpi district, a fresh bout of violence unfolded after miscreants launched an attack on Tangnaum village, also known as Haraothel, situated in the Kangchup Geljang Sub Division of the Saitu Assembly Constituency.
The altercation occurred on June 21 at around 6:00 PM, near Leimakhong.
In a disturbing continuation of events, another Kuki village, Mongneljang, located in the Saikul Sub Division of Kangpokpi District, fell victim to a similar assault.
Miscreants targeted the village at approximately 7:30 PM, only an hour and a half after the attack on Tangnaum.