Imphal, Jan 3: In the aftermath of the Lilong firing incident on the night of January 1 in Manipur, the death toll has tragically increased to five. The latest victim, a private passenger mini-bus driver, succumbed to injuries sustained from a stray bullet during the Lilong shootout while he was returning home.

In the Kuki-Zo tribe area, the Committee on Tribal Unity and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the two leading Kuki-Zo tribal bodies in Manipur, have jointly called for a 24-hour total shutdown. The shutdown is set to take place in all Kuki-Zo dominated areas in Manipur, commencing from midnight on January 2 and concluding at midnight on January 3.

The total shutdown, jointly called by the two prominent Kuki-Zo tribal bodies, serves as a protest against the alleged atrocities committed by Meitei state forces. Additionally, the demonstration seeks to emphasise the demand for the removal of Meitei state forces from all Kuki-Zo districts in Manipur.

In response to the ongoing violence in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction during a statement to reporters. He conveyed being “highly upset” with the current situation and asserted that those engaging in violence would be held responsible for potential stringent government actions.

The Chief Minister hinted at the possibility of reimposing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) as a measure to address the escalating unrest. The statement serves as a stern warning, emphasising the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, while addressing the need for responsible conduct to avoid the implementation of stringent measures.

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