Key Highlights:
- Tragic Incident: Two migrant laborers, Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dashrath Kumar (17), from Bihar’s Gopalganj district, were shot dead by unidentified attackers in Kakching, Manipur.
- Escalating Violence: The state has witnessed ongoing violence for the past 19 months, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
- Root Cause: The unrest traces back to May 2023, stemming from clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities over the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status issue.
- Police Investigation: Authorities have registered a case, and efforts are underway to apprehend the attackers.
Imphal: The wave of violence in Manipur shows no signs of abating, as two migrant workers from Bihar were shot dead in the Keirak area of Kakching district on Saturday evening. This latest attack adds to the grim toll of ongoing unrest that has gripped the state for nearly two years.
Attack Details: Bihar Laborers Targeted
The victims, identified as Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dashrath Kumar (17) from Rajwahi village in Gopalganj district, Bihar, were employed in construction work in Manipur.
According to the Kakching police, the laborers were cycling back to their rented accommodation around 5:20 PM when unidentified gunmen opened fire near the Panchayat office. Emergency services rushed the victims to Jeevan Hospital, but they succumbed to their injuries.
No Clear Motive Yet
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities are actively searching for the attackers. This incident adds to the mounting insecurity for migrant workers in Manipur amidst the ongoing violence.
19 Months of Turmoil: Understanding the Violence in Manipur
The unrest in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, following the Adivasi Ekta March organized by the Kuki community. The march protested the proposed granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, sparking clashes between the two groups.
The initial altercation in Torbang, Churchandpur district, spiraled into widespread violence across the state. Since then:
- Hundreds have lost their lives.
- Thousands have been displaced, with many forced to live in relief camps.
- The situation remains volatile, with no resolution in sight.
The Human Cost of Violence
The prolonged strife in Manipur has devastated countless families, with tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities showing little signs of easing. Migrant workers from other states, like Bihar, face heightened risks as they strive to earn a livelihood in the troubled region.
As police continue their investigation into the latest killings, questions loom over the government’s ability to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and workers in the region.
Manipur’s persistent unrest underscores the urgent need for dialogue, reconciliation, and effective measures to address the root causes of the conflict. Without such efforts, the state risks further destabilization and loss of innocent lives.
