Imphal, Dec 26: A gunfight broke out early Wednesday morning in Sinam Kom village, located in the Imphal East district of Manipur. The clash erupted when armed men positioned on the hilltops of Kangpokpi district opened fire on the village. In retaliation, armed ‘village volunteers’ stationed at the foothills returned fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Additional security forces were deployed to the area to prevent further violence. No casualties have been reported so far, according to local police.

This incident follows another gunfight on Tuesday night between armed groups and security forces in the nearby areas of Thamnapokpi and Uyok Ching. The state has been plagued by ongoing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May last year, resulting in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement.