Fresh violence erupts in several parts of Manipur on Sunday after alleged terrorists, carrying sophisticated weapons, set fire to many houses in Serou and Sugunu area.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh yesterday said that "40 terrorists" targeting civilians have been shot dead so far by the security forces.

"The terrorists have been using M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles and sniper guns against civilians. They came to many villages to burn down homes. We have started taking very strong action against them with the help of the army and other security forces. We have got reports some 40 terrorists have been shot dead," Singh informed reporters.

At least five people, including a policeman, were killed and 12 others injured.

This comes a day before Union Home Minister visits the Northeast state.

Among the civilians, the Politicians have also been victims of the attacks.

In the past, several politicians have been attacked amids the ongoing violence in the state.

Earlier, on May 4, 2023, BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte from the Thanlon constituency in Manipur was attacked by the protesters when the MLA was on his way to his official quarters after attending a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the ongoing law and order situation in Manipur.

Valte was then airlifted out of the state and was taken to a hospital.

On May 24, over 100 angry mob stormed into Manipur’s Public Works Department, Youth Affairs & Sports Minister and MLA from Bishnupur, Govindas Konthoujam’s residence at Ningthoukhong Bazaar under Bishnupur district and vandalized the furniture and broke window glass panes of the minister's residence.

On Thursday, May 25, a mob attacked the home of Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, RK Ranjan Singh, reported the Imphal Free Press.

And the recent one, on Sunday, May 28, a mob attempted to storm the private residence of Mayanglambam Rameshwar, the National People’s Party (NPP) MLA from Kakching.

Similarly, the house of BJP MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh in Imphal West's Uripok was also vandalised and his two vehicles were set on fire yesterday.

Home Minister Amit Shah reaches Manipur on Monday, May 29 and reportedly ‘plans’ to bring the Manipuri community Meiteis and Kukis together to end the communal violence.

“The home minister will hold several rounds of security meetings to assess the situation and plan further steps to restore normalcy,” a senior home ministry official said.

(Source- India today)