Assailants posing as cops opened fire at a marketplace in Manipur's Thoubal district, resulting in four civilian deaths and injuries to six others. A village defense volunteer also died from a gunfight. The attack was linked to an extortion attempt. The state has declared a curfew in three districts. CM N Biren Singh appealed for peace and assured that the attackers will be caught. The attack at Lilong Chingjao came hours after Biren Singh, in a New Year message, expressed concern over the recent spike in violence.
