Insurgent Attack Claims Two Lives in Manipur Insurgent Attack Claims Two Lives in Manipur

Paramilitary Soldiers Killed in Assault

In Manipur's Bishnupur district, two CRPF personnel lost their lives and two others sustained injuries in what appears to be an insurgent attack earlier this morning. Allegedly, a band of suspected Kuki insurgents fired shots from a hillside in Naranseina village towards a central security force post in the valley area.

Tensions escalated further when a bomb exploded within the outpost, resulting in severe injuries to four personnel. Despite receiving prompt medical care, two security personnel succumbed to their injuries, while two others are currently undergoing treatment.

According to top police sources, the attack occurred just six days before the first anniversary of the onset of the Manipur crisis. It is speculated that militants hiding in the hills may escalate attacks in the days to come.

The two deceased individuals were identified as CRPF sub-inspector N Sarkar and head constable Arup Saini, both belonging to the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) 128 Battalion stationed at Naranseina. Among the injured are inspector Jadav Das and constable Aftab Das. The attackers reportedly initiated their assault from midnight until approximately 2:15 am.

The attack took place at an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp, where CRPF personnel were stationed post their duties in the state elections.

The camp lies around 2 kilometers from the hills, with the Upper Canal area located about a kilometer away. Central security forces were stationed there previously, and it was marked as sensitive after violence erupted in Manipur last May.

Sources indicate that insurgents in the hills utilized a crude artillery weapon known as a "pumpi gun" to attack the camp.

"A senior police officer stated, as quoted by news agency PTI, 'The militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targeting the camp. It started around 12:30 am and continued until about 2:15 am. The militants also hurled bombs, one of which exploded in the outpost of CRPF's 128 battalion.'"

Police have reported that a massive combing operation is currently underway in the area to locate and apprehend the attackers.

Heavy gunfights erupted between Meitei and Kuki-Zo armed groups in August and September 2023 in and around Naranseina. Both factions identify themselves as "village defence volunteers," a designation that has become highly contentious in Manipur. This is because there are no clear regulations to prevent these "volunteers" from resorting to lethal force under the guise of "self-defence."

The Meitei community primarily resides in the valley, while the Kuki people inhabit the hills.