Table of Contents
This Post Is Recently Updated on Nov 1, 2023 @ 10:08 am by TBB Desk
1. Ambush on Manipur Police Commandos En Route to Tengnoupal
A group of Manipur Police commandos, dispatched as reinforcements following the fatal shooting of a high-ranking police officer, fell victim to an ambush by suspected insurgents. This incident unfolded merely 10 kilometers away from the Tengnoupal district. Numerous commandos sustained injuries during this unexpected attack.
2. Assam Rifles to the Rescue
In response to the ambush, troops from the Assam Rifles quickly mobilized to the site, successfully evacuating the injured police commandos. A significant number of the wounded were subsequently transported to medical facilities for treatment.
3. Controversial Claims from Kuki Civil Society Groups
Concurrently, Kuki civil society groups are voicing their perspectives, suggesting that the ambush was a direct consequence of a previous shootout with Kuki village volunteers. They accuse the Manipur Police commandos of excessive force. These groups are also calling for the withdrawal of state forces from Moreh, alleging that their presence contributes to civilian harassment.
4. A Senior Officer’s Perspective
A senior police officer stationed in Moreh offered a different viewpoint, emphasizing the necessity of verifying on-ground situations firsthand. He pointed out that various groups might falsely claim to be “village volunteers” as a guise for insurgent activities, making it challenging to ascertain their true intentions.
5. The Tragic Loss of Officer Chingtham Anand
In Moreh, a town situated along the India-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal, senior police officer Chingtham Anand lost his life to a suspected insurgent sniper. Officer Anand was supervising the construction of a helipad at the time. The challenging terrain of the Imphal-Moreh route, marked by hills, jungles, and sharp bends, increases the risk of insurgent ambushes, as seen in the recent attack on the police commandos.
6. Escalating Hostilities and Reinforcements
The ambush and the preceding attack on the helipad project signify a surge in hostilities between security forces and insurgents. This development occurs despite recent progress towards stability in the ethnically volatile region of Manipur. In response to these incidents, additional Manipur Police commandos are being dispatched to Moreh, joining the small contingent already stationed there since the May 3rd violence.
7. Building a New Helipad Amidst Challenges
The Manipur state forces and the Border Security Force (BSF) are collaborating to construct a new helipad in Moreh. This facility will cater exclusively to the transportation needs of police and paramilitary personnel, offering an alternative to the perilous road journey to Moreh, which is frequently disrupted by miscreants. The construction of this helipad is crucial, especially considering the heightened risk of insurgent ambushes.
8. Kuki Civil Society Groups Demand Action
Kuki civil society groups are vocally opposing what they perceive as the Manipur government’s aggressive tactics in Moreh, particularly against Kuki civilians. They demand the withdrawal of police commandos to prevent potential harm to the minority Kuki-Zo community. The groups also highlight perceived disparities in the government’s response to different incidents involving police fatalities.
9. The Human Toll of Manipur’s Ethnic Violence
Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence has resulted in significant loss of life, with over 180 people killed and thousands displaced. While the conflict primarily revolves around tribal demands and categories, external factors such as illegal immigration are also contributing to the unrest. National agencies are actively investigating potential transnational conspiracies exploiting this volatile situation.
