Eleven Kuki militants were killed in an armed confrontation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Jakuradhor Karong, under the jurisdiction of Borobekra Police Station, Jiribam District, on Monday afternoon. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing violence in the region.
The encounter began around 3 p.m. when CRPF personnel engaged with the militants, leading to a fierce gunfight. According to official sources, the militants were heavily armed, possessing sophisticated weapons such as Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), AK-47 assault rifles, Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), and INSAS rifles. The confrontation resulted in the death of eleven militants.
One CRPF constable, Sanjeev Kumar, sustained injuries during the skirmish. He was promptly evacuated and is currently receiving medical treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Prior to the clash, the militants were involved in acts of arson, setting fire to several shops and properties in the area. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued Manipur, particularly affecting the Kuki community.
The conflict in Manipur has deep roots, involving ethnic tensions and demands for autonomy by various groups. The Kuki militants, part of a larger network, have been active in their insurgency against state and central forces, seeking greater recognition and rights.
Post-encounter, security forces recovered an array of sophisticated weaponry from the militants. The cache included:
- RPGs
- AK-47 rifles
- SLRs
- INSAS rifles
These seizures highlight the level of armament the militants possessed, raising concerns about the proliferation of such weapons in the region.
In the wake of the encounter, security operations have been intensified in the region. Additional CRPF and local police units have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further escalation of violence. Authorities are conducting thorough investigations to trace the origins of the weapons and gather intelligence on the militants’ network.
The clash in Jiribam underscores the volatile security situation in Manipur, necessitating continued vigilance and proactive measures by security forces. The government and security agencies are urged to address the underlying causes of the conflict, focusing on dialogue and development to bring lasting peace to the region.
The recent events in Jiribam are a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining security and peace in Manipur. As investigations proceed and operations continue, the priority remains on safeguarding civilians and restoring normalcy in the affected areas.
