Imphal, Jan 2: On the first day of the New Year, Manipur witnessed a surge in violence as armed attackers in Thoubal district killed four people and injured 14 others, according to the police. The incident occurred at Lilong Chingjao, where armed assailants opened fire on Monday evening following a dispute over the coercive collection of ransom from the local residents.

Many of the injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition and have been transported to hospitals for medical attention.

According to reports, the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, disguised themselves in police uniforms and arrived in four vehicles. They subsequently opened fire on a predominantly Muslim population, escalating the severity of the situation.

Three individuals lost their lives on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries during transportation to the hospital.

The identity of the assailants remains unknown at this time.

Following the incident, an atmosphere of high tension prevailed, leading to the burning of two vehicles used by the attackers by an enraged mob.

In response to the violence in Thoubal district, the district administrations for Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur have canceled the relaxation of curfew and reinstated prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation of violence.

Additional Central and state forces have been swiftly deployed to Thoubal district and surrounding areas to prevent potential retaliatory attacks.

Reports also indicate an increase in tension in the state capital, Imphal, following this recent bout of violence.

In a video message, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appealed for peace, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to cooperate with authorities. He condemned the attack and assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended promptly.

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