According to the sources, a security personnel of the Assam Rifles was injured in a firefight with Kuki militants near Pukhao Shantipur village in Imphal East, bordering Saikul in Sardar Hills, Kangpokpi district, on Wednesday.

While more details are awaited, heavy reinforcements from Central forces arrived in the area, and the injured was rushed to Leimakhong Cantonment Hospital, the sources said.

The gunfight between the Assam Rifles personnel and Kuki militants reportedly took place amid the unrest prevailing in the state following the series of communal violence and arson that erupted in several districts in Manipur over the inherent issue of Meetei/Meitei demand for the ST category.

Over 60 lives have been lost, and several houses and structures, including places of worship, were burned down in the violence that gripped Manipur on May 3 and 4. While thousands of people have been displaced and evacuated to safer places, thousands more have been rendered homeless. 

Internet/data services remained suspended across the entire state, and an indefinite curfew remained enforced in all the violence-hit districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Pherzawl, Chandel, Jiribam, and Tengnoupal.

According to official sources, the suspension of Internet/data services has been extended until May 13.

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