Manipur’s Jiribam district witnessed a tragic incident where a CRPF jawan was killed, and three others were injured in an ambush by unknown armed miscreants. This incident highlights the ongoing ethnic violence and security challenges in the region. The targeted attack on a combined team of the CRPF and state police underscores the severity of the situation.
Details of the Incident
The ambush occurred around 9:40 am on Sunday. Unknown armed men targeted a team from the 20th Battalion CRPF and Manipur Police. The attack happened as the security forces approached Monbung village to conduct a search operation related to a previous firing incident. The assailants opened fire on the security personnel, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Casualties and Injuries
In the ambush, one CRPF jawan, identified as 43-year-old Ajay Kumar Jha from Bihar, lost his life. The three injured personnel included a Sub-Inspector from Jiribam Police Station. The injured were immediately evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The condition of the injured personnel remains critical, and efforts are ongoing to stabilize them.
Background and Context
The Jiribam region has been a hotspot of violence recently, with frequent clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The ethnic violence, which started in May 2023, has resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. In June, at least 70 homes and police outposts were set on fire, further escalating the tensions in the region.
Recent Security Operations
In response to the escalating violence, Manipur Police have intensified their operations to seize illegal arms and ammunition. On Sunday, they seized a significant cache of weapons from Imphal East and West districts. The seized ammunition included one AK-56 rifle, one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), one locally made SLR, several pistols, hand grenades, and 25 rounds of ammunition.
In a separate operation in the Khuyathong and Nagamapal areas of Imphal West district, officials seized one Excalibur rifle, a 7.62 mm AR (GHAATAK), and one MA-3 MK-II rifle with ammunition. These operations are part of the ongoing efforts to curb the violence and restore peace in the region.
Military and Security Updates
On July 12, Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi visited the Northeast to assess the security situation in Manipur and along the Myanmar border. He was briefed about the ongoing operations and the measures being taken to ensure the safety and security of the region. The Indian Army and other security forces are on high alert to prevent further escalation of violence.
Community Reactions
The ambush and the loss of a CRPF jawan have evoked strong reactions from various quarters. Local communities are demanding stricter measures to curb the violence and ensure the safety of civilians. The government and security agencies are under pressure to take decisive actions to restore normalcy.
Government Response
The state and central governments have assured that all necessary steps will be taken to address the security concerns in Manipur. Additional forces have been deployed to the region to bolster security. Efforts are also being made to facilitate dialogue between the warring communities to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
The ambush in Manipur’s Jiribam is a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the region. The loss of a CRPF jawan and the injuries to other personnel highlight the risks faced by security forces in maintaining peace. The government and security agencies must intensify their efforts to restore order and ensure the safety of all residents in the region.
