In a new outbreak of violence, atleast six people were killed in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Saturday morning. The violence erupted when suspected Kuki militants entered the home of a man living alone, shooting him dead as he slept. The attack took place nearly 5 kilometers from the district headquarters.

Following the killing, an intense gunfight broke out between armed groups from rival communities in the hills about 7 kilometers from the district center. The exchange resulted in four more deaths, including three militants based in the hills.

The identity of the initial victim, who was killed in his sleep, has not been disclosed. This incident follows closely on the heels of another attack on Friday, where Kuki militants launched long-range rockets at civilians in Bishnupur district, killing an elderly man and injuring six others.

Further details are awaited as authorities investigate the escalating violence.