Ex-Indian soldier beaten to death in Manipur
A former Indian Army soldier was killed after he accidentally crossed the 'buffer zone' between the Meitei and Kuki areas in ethnic violence-hit Manipur late on Sunday night, according to officials familiar with the situation on Monday.
The deceased, Limkholal Mate, a retired Havaldar from the Assam Regiment, was found dead in Sekmai, located in the Imphal West district. "Mate, a resident of Motbung in Kangpokpi, seems to have inadvertently crossed the buffer zone into Sekmai. He was driving a car, and his body was discovered by police on Monday morning. Initial indications suggest he was beaten to death," said an officer, though police have yet to officially release a statement.
Central paramilitary forces have been stationed in these buffer zones, positioned between the Meitei and Kuki areas, to prevent further violence. The Kukis primarily inhabit Manipur’s hill districts, while the Meiteis live in the valley. Since last year's outbreak of ethnic violence, both communities have avoided entering each other’s territories.
In a separate incident, the Committee on Tribal Unity, a civil society group, claimed that a woman died in a bomb blast on Sunday, though police have not yet confirmed this.
Despite efforts to quell the ongoing violence, tensions in Manipur have intensified over the past week, with drones and rockets reportedly being used in the conflict.
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