Imphal: Seven employees of the Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL), including the officer-in-charge, were subjected to a brutal, unprovoked assault by unidentified miscreants on October 18 inside the 33/11 kV power sub-station in Tuibuang, Churachandpur district. The attack, which saw assailants physically assault the staff on duty before fleeing, has ignited significant public outcry and heightened fears over the safety of essential service personnel in the volatile state.
MSPCL released a strong statement condemning the incident as a “heinous” act against its workforce. The power utility has called upon law enforcement agencies to launch a swift, transparent investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The company emphasized the challenging conditions under which its staff work tirelessly to maintain uninterrupted power supply across Manipur, asserting that such attacks are “unacceptable and must not go unpunished.”
The motive behind the assault remains unknown, but the incident occurs against the backdrop of Manipur’s prolonged and fraught security situation. The state has been in the grip of deep ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, a period that has resulted in over 260 fatalities and the displacement of thousands of residents.
Notably, the attack took place while Manipur is under President’s Rule, which was imposed following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amidst the unrest. While the Manipur Legislative Assembly is elected until 2027, it currently remains suspended. Police have initiated a probe into the matter but have yet to make any arrests. Authorities have assured the public they are making efforts to identify those responsible and restore a sense of security for government employees operating in conflict-affected areas.
