Manipur: 2 CRPF personnel killed in suspected militant attack
Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured when armed miscreants opened fire in the early hours of Saturday in Bishnupur district, Manipur. The incident occurred at an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp at Naransena, where the CRPF members were stationed post-election. The deceased personnel, part of the CRPF's 128 Battalion, have been identified as sub-inspector N Sarkar and head constable Arup Saini.
Militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targeting the camp
The Manipur Police told ANI that Kuki militants were behind the attack. A high-ranking police officer stated, "The militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targeting the camp. It started around 12:30am and continued till about 2:15am." The assailants also reportedly used a rudimentary artillery weapon known as a "pumpi gun." Top police sources said that militants hiding in the hills are likely to increase attacks in the coming days with the first anniversary of the start of the Manipur crisis approaching.
Search operation underway to locate and apprehend attackers
Following the attack, a large-scale search operation is underway to locate and apprehend the attackers. The IRB camp that was attacked is about 2 km from the hills and close to the Upper Canal. Due to the sensitive nature of this area following the outbreak of violence in Manipur in May of last year, central security forces have been stationed in this vicinity.
Manipur marred by violence since last year
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes between the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis since last May. The violence was preceded by a high court order directing the Biren Singh-led state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. More than 200 people have died as a result of the violence. Meiteis accounts for 60% of the population and is largely concentrated in the Imphal Valley. In comparison, tribal-dominated hill areas reportedly cover 90% of Manipur.
