Imphal, April 23: A 30-year-old man was injured in a suspected firing incident in Sinakeithei village on Wednesday evening, raising fresh concerns over security in parts of Manipur’s hill districts.
The victim, identified as Chihanngam Rungsung, sustained a bullet injury to his heel after being hit at around 4 pm while moving within the village. Local accounts alleged that the firing originated from armed groups positioned on Lungter Hill, which overlooks the area. He was not reportedly involved in any confrontation at the time of the incident.
Sinakeithei, a Tangkhul Naga-inhabited village, has been witnessing heightened tension for over two months. Residents have alleged repeated instances of firing and encroachment by armed elements, who are said to have established bunkers and trenches along the Lungter Hill range, considered a strategic vantage point.
Despite the deployment of the Indian Army and other security forces in the vicinity, villagers claim that intermittent firing has continued. Security personnel are understood to be conducting patrols along key routes, including the Lungter road, though locals maintain that these measures have not fully ensured civilian safety.
Residents further alleged that explosives have been used on multiple occasions, contributing to an atmosphere of fear. They stated that villagers have largely remained on the defensive, focusing on protecting homes and preventing further encroachment.
While security forces have reportedly issued warnings against any group initiating firing, villagers claim violations have persisted, raising concerns over enforcement. Questions have also been raised locally about surveillance patterns, with residents alleging that aerial monitoring does not always focus on the source of suspected aggression.
Security officials have maintained that firing incidents originate from distances beyond effective engagement range. However, villagers dispute this, citing instances of bullets reaching residential areas and causing injuries and property damage.
Residents have also alleged that parts of village land are under the control of armed groups, intensifying fears of displacement and loss of livelihood. They have called for stronger intervention to restore normalcy and ensure civilian protection in the conflict-affected region.
