Imphal: A violent clash broke out in Manipur's Imphal East district on Saturday, leaving four members of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei) injured. The attack was carried out by a group of 15-20 suspected members of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), despite the Meitei insurgent group's ceasefire agreement with the Centre and the Manipur government in November 2023.

According to the police, the suspected AT members arrived at the residence of UNLF (P) functionary Irengbam Nandakumar Singh, sparking a fight that resulted in blunt injuries to four UNLF members. Security forces promptly intervened, detaining the injured UNLF members and providing them with medical treatment. Fortunately, they are reported to be stable and out of danger.

In a subsequent raid, security forces seized incriminating materials, including approximately 15 grams of suspected heroin and an INSAS assault rifle bayonet, from the premises of AT Unit-17.

The attack highlights the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes have been embroiled in a conflict since May 2023. The clash revolves around issues such as land rights and political representation. While the AT claims to have taken up arms due to ineffective law enforcement, Kuki civil society groups allege that the AT launched attacks on their villages, prompting them to form village defense forces.