Suspected Kuki militants open fire at Meitei temple, four held. No casualties reported in the firing, first of its kind after promulgation of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla further extended by one week the time given for the return of looted and illegal weapons and ammunition to the security forces. Over 610 looted and illegally-held weapons, including many sophisticated arms and a huge cache of ammunition, were returned to security forces since February 21. More than 250 people have been killed and over 1500 injured while over 70,000 rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had imposed President’s rule in the state on February13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. The arrested persons were identified as Lungousem Kipgen (29), Letminlal Kip Gen (25), Satminlun Tuboi (24) and Thanggoulun Kilong (27), all residents of Kangpokpi District.
