Imphal, Dec 17 (NationPress) Security measures were significantly enhanced in the border regions of Manipur's Bishnupur district on Wednesday following the deployment of additional troops. This action was prompted by a recent incident where unidentified assailants opened fire, further escalating the ongoing tensions in the state, as reported by officials.

A police spokesperson indicated that on Tuesday night, multiple rounds were discharged by the unknown gunmen near the Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai regions, which are predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community and border the tribal Churachandpur district. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from this incident.

A substantial contingent of security personnel, led by senior officers, swiftly arrived in the affected area to conduct search operations aimed at apprehending the suspected militants responsible for the shooting.

This recent gunfire incident created a sense of panic among local residents. Notably, this violence occurred just a day after approximately 390 displaced individuals returned to their homes in Phougakchao Ikhai and surrounding areas.

During the ongoing search efforts by the BSF and CRPF, authorities discovered and recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), alongside three locally manufactured Pumpi guns. Comprehensive safety protocols were put in place to restrict civilian movement and ensure the area’s security.

Meanwhile, many displaced individuals, especially women and children who had just returned to their residences in the vicinity of Phougakchao Ikhai after more than two years, sought refuge elsewhere due to the recent firing, according to the police official.

The gunfire incident transpired shortly after Director General of Police Rajiv Singh visited the Churachandpur district, where he conducted a meeting with senior officers.

During his visit, the DGP inaugurated the conference room at the Superintendent of Police's office in Churachandpur while presiding over an extensive security review with Manipur Police and other security forces to evaluate the current security landscape and preparedness.

The DGP also interacted with representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the district. On Wednesday, numerous political parties and civil society groups in Manipur condemned the firing incident by unidentified attackers in the border areas of Bishnupur district. Several markets and businesses remained closed in protest against the violence.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a coalition of multiple Meitei civil society organizations, emphasized that such acts of violence fundamentally violate the Constitution of India, specifically the guarantee of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21), undermining the principles of constitutional governance and democratic order.

In a public statement, COCOMI expressed that violent acts erode the rule of law and disturb public order (Article 19), jeopardizing social cohesion.

They stated: “The situation is worsened by the public remarks from Ginza Vualzong, a leader of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), who allegedly justified and rationalized the attack, made inflammatory allegations, and issued statements likely to incite further unrest and violence.”

COCOMI views such public endorsement of armed violence as a severe affront to constitutional values and democratic standards.

“Statements by the KZC that morally support terroristic actions threaten public safety, embolden armed groups, and may qualify as criminal incitement under Indian law,” the COCOMI remarked.