Imphal: The Manipur government has urgently sought assistance from the Union home ministry as armed militants attacked security forces in the border town of Moreh, resulting in the death of two police commandos and injuries to five others. This marks the sixth attack on personnel in the state this month, exacerbating the already volatile situation that has claimed over 200 lives since ethnic clashes erupted last May.
The assailants, unidentified militants, initiated the assault around 3:30 am on Wednesday, using bombs, bullets, and rocket-propelled gun (RPG) shells. Superintendent of Police, Tengnoupal, Rahuil Gupta, confirmed the casualties, stating, “Two police commandos have been killed, and five others sustained injuries in the attacks. The situation in Moreh continues to remain tense.”
The deceased were identified as W Somorjit and Takhelambam Saileshwor. In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, with a total curfew imposed in the district, the Manipur government has requested a helicopter from the Union Home Ministry to airlift security personnel and ammunition to Moreh.
A letter from the state government to the Union home ministry expressed grave concerns about the continuous exchange of fire and the potential for further deterioration of the situation in Moreh. T Ranjit Singh, Commissioner (Home), urged the placement of a helicopter in Imphal from Wednesday for at least seven days to address emergency requirements.
Moreh, situated on the international border between India and Myanmar, has a history of smuggling activities, including arms and drugs. The recent violence follows the arrest of two individuals from the Kuki community, leading to total curfew imposition. Kuki groups reported injuries to a woman and claimed the burning of houses by police forces, allegations that the police officials declined to comment on.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May, resulting in 202 casualties and displacing approximately 50,000 people. Chief Minister N Biren Singh previously expressed doubts about the involvement of foreign mercenaries and pointed to reports of the Kuki National Army-Burma’s role in Moreh violence. However, state security adviser Kuldiep Singh later clarified that there was no conclusive evidence linking Myanmar-based outfits to the unrest.
In addition to the events in Moreh, sporadic violence erupted in Thoubal district, where militants attacked the office of the district superintendent of police, injuring a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. The gates and walls of the SP’s office were set on fire, prompting a plea for additional forces in Thoubal.
Late last week, four individuals from the Meitei community went missing in Bishnupur district while collecting firewood, and their bullet-riddled bodies were discovered days later, adding to the growing concerns over the security situation in Manipur.
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