Rival ethnic groups fired at each other in new violence in India’s remote northeast that left at least nine people dead and some injured, officials said Wednesday.
Security forces rushed to Khamenlok village in Manipur state’s Kangpokpi district after clashes broke out Tuesday night between the Kuki and Meitei communities, said L. Sushindro, a state government minister.
Police found nine bodies early Wednesday, a police officer said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.
At least 100 people have been killed in severe ethnic clashes in Manipur state since May 3, and thousands of homes have been burned and shops and businesses vandalized.
A Kuki tribe member is seen crying during a May 29 protest over tribal killings in India’s northeastern Manipur state. Clashes between Kuki and Meitei tribe members that began Tuesday night have left at least nine people dead. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)
Authorities have moved nearly 40,000 people from troubled areas to safer places.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state early this month and met community leaders in an attempt to restore peace.
Minority hill community leaders say the Meitei community is comparatively well-off and that granting them more privileges would be unfair.
The Meiteis say employment quotas and other benefits for tribespeople would be protected.
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