Authorities have issued shoot-at-sight orders in Moreh, a Manipur town following a clash between Manipur’s majority Meitei community and Kukis.

The incident left 11 dead and half-a-dozen wounded. An indefinite curfew has been imposed in the town following the killing of five Kukis by unidentified gunmen, believed to be UNLF separatists.

The UNLF is waging its war for a separate homeland for the majority Metei community in Manipur. Immediately after the killing of Kuki members, suspected Kuki National Army (KNA) rebels, too fighting for a independent homeland, set ablaze the house of a prominent Metei leader in Moreh and killed six Metei daily wage workers and injured another six.

The incident angered the locals and they came out on roads pelting stones at the police to condemn the incident. Police had to burst teargas canisters to disperse them.

The Myanmar Army has closed the international border for trade since May 25, following the killing of an Indian national in a shootout at Namphalong market, a short distance from Moreh town. Since then trouble was brewing in Moreh.

Senior Assam Rifles sources believe of an indirect involvement of the Myanmar Army in the Saturday killings.

Meanwhile, army and paramilitary troopers have been deployed in strength with shoot-on-sight orders to bring the situation under control. The situation is reported to be very tense and the fear of communal clashes looms large, but as for now there is no news of fresh violence.

Senior Government officials blame the hindrance in the damage control efforts on the absence of all senior ministers, including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who are camping in New Delhi for a likely expansion of the state ministry.

There are 19 insurgent groups active in Manipur, with few demanding secession, while others autonomy. Most active of all are the Kukis and the Meiteis, who have kept themselves embroiled into this meaningless war that has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

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Via: Indianexpress