Unknown people open fire on the chariot made for Jagannath Yatra in Imphal (Manipur)

Unidentified persons open fire on this chariot being made for the pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath

Imphal (Manipur) – Unidentified people opened fire on a chariot being made for the Yatra of Shri Jagannath here on the night of 4thJuly and fled. The incident took place near Sana Konung in Imphal. No casualties were reported in this firing. Police are investigating the incident. Rath Yatra will start on 8thJuly for which this chariot is being made. The reason behind the firing on the chariot is yet to be ascertained.

This Rath Yatra in Imphal is one of the important festivals of the state. This festival lasts for 10 days. This Rath Yatra is similar to the Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri in Odisha.

Shri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are seated on the chariot in this Rath Yatra. This chariot is about 20 feet high and is pulled by the devotees by hand.

Editorial Perspective

It is suspected that this incident occurred because of the ongoing violence between Maitei Hindus and Kuki Christians in Manipur for more than one and a half years.