IMPHAL: An indefinite shutdown was observed Friday in Manipur's Churachandpur and a 24-hour closure in Kangpokpi over the death of a tribal woman in crossfire the previous day between security forces and unidentified gunmen. Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) called the shutdowns, supported by civil society organisations in both districts. Deceased Hoikholhing Haokip was the wife of a village chief in Churachandpur, Manipur's tribal heartland.
Forces launched an operation after a farmer, Ningthoujam Biren Singh, suffered a bullet injury in his arm in alleged shooting by unidentified gunmen while working in his paddy field on Thursday. The gunmen later opened fire on the forces, prompting a retaliation and the crossfire. Haokip was later found dead with a bullet wound. A hunt is on for the gunmen.
CoTU described the attacks and death as "another targeted assault in a systematic campaign" and held state govt responsible for allowing such atrocities to unfold under its watch. Manipur has been under President's rule since this Feb. CoTU alleged that Meitei aggressors were being allowed to act unchecked and that failure to protect vulnerable populations had once again led to loss of life. CoTU also demanded immediate action against those responsible for the killing.
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights also condemned the killing of Haokip, calling it a horrific act of violence.
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