Manipur violence: Lineman shot and 24 houses destroyed

Violence has escalated in Manipur, involving both targeted killings and the destruction of property. In the Tamenglong district, a 36-year-old electric lineman, Paojangam Chongloi, was shot while performing repairs on a power line in Lasan village. While local authorities have not independently verified the claim, a formal complaint filed by a local governing body accused members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) of masterminding the killing.

In the neighboring Kangpokpi district, armed assailants reportedly attacked the villages of Makui Khuman and Makui Thanamba. The attacks resulted in the destruction of at least 24 houses, which were reduced to ashes. Many residents had previously relocated due to ongoing ethnic clashes.

The state continues to struggle with multi-layered conflicts, including the long-standing Meitei-Kuki tension and more recent skirmishes between Kuki and Naga communities. Reports indicate that the death toll from these various conflicts and related conditions in relief camps has significantly exceeded the initial casualties of the May 2023 riots. The Supreme Court has recently requested updates from the state's chief secretary regarding the conditions within refugee relief camps.