Two Security Force Personnel Killed, Two Injured in Manipur Attack

In the early hours of today morning, a tragic incident unfolded in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, where two CRPF personnel lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries in a suspected militant attack. Reports suggest that a group believed to be Kuki militants unleashed gunfire from a hillside in Naranseina village towards a central security force post in the valley region. The situation escalated when an explosive device detonated within the outpost, resulting in severe injuries to four personnel. Despite immediate medical attention, tragically, two security personnel succumbed to their injuries, while the other two are currently receiving treatment.

This attack comes amidst heightened tensions, occurring just six days before the first anniversary of the Manipur crisis. Authorities speculate that militants, taking refuge in the hills, may intensify their assaults in the days to come. The deceased, identified as CRPF sub-inspector N Sarkar and head constable Arup Saini, both served in the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) 128 Battalion stationed at Naranseina. Among the injured are inspector Jadav Das and constable Aftab Das. The assailants reportedly initiated their assault shortly after midnight, persisting until approximately 2:15 am.

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The attack transpired at an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp, where CRPF personnel were deployed following their duty during state elections. Situated two kilometers away from the hills, the camp is within proximity to an area known as Upper Canal, previously manned by central security forces due to its sensitivity following the violence outbreak in May last year. Sources indicate that insurgents in the hills utilized a primitive artillery weapon termed a “pumpi gun” to launch the assault.

A senior police officer described the harrowing ordeal, stating, “The militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targeting the camp. It started around 12:30 am and continued till about 2:15 am. The militants also hurled bombs, one of which exploded in the outpost of CRPF’s 128 battalion.” In response to this heinous act, a massive combing operation has been initiated in the area to apprehend the attackers, as confirmed by police authorities.