Imphal: Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on April 15 said the recent clash at Thinungei in Bishnupur district was triggered by a misunderstanding between civilians and security forces, exacerbated by the spread of a rumour.
Addressing a press conference at the New Secretariat Complex in Mantripukhri, the minister termed the incident “unfortunate” and said tensions escalated after a rumour, reportedly initiated by a woman circulated among locals, leading to panic and confrontation. Several people were injured in the clash.
He appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from road blockades, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities and place trust in agencies probing the related Tronglaobi incident.
On the Tronglaobi bomb blast case, Konthoujam said the investigation is being handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He added that five suspected cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) have been arrested so far, with further developments expected as the probe progresses.
Providing details on the Thinungei violence, the minister said eight firearms were snatched by protestors during the unrest but were later recovered by security personnel.
Amid rising tensions, the government has stepped up security deployment across the state. Konthoujam said over 34,000 personnel are currently deployed in Manipur, while acknowledging a shortfall of more than 7,000 personnel. He added that a recruitment drive will soon be launched to fill the vacancies.
He said the recruitment process would be expedited to strengthen the state’s security apparatus while also creating employment opportunities for youth, including women.
On reopening educational institutions, the minister said the decision would depend on the prevailing law and order situation, adding that the government aims to resume normal academic activities at the earliest once conditions stabilise.