Manipur: 11 Militants Killed in Fierce Gunfight with Security Forces

In a violent clash in Manipur's Jiribam district on Monday, eleven suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces, officials reported. The incident, which occurred at Jakurador Karong in the Borobekra sub-division, also resulted in injuries to two CRPF personnel, one of whom is in critical condition.

The militants, wearing camouflage uniforms and armed with advanced weapons, launched an indiscriminate attack on the Borobekra police station and the adjacent CRPF camp around 2:30 pm. Following the assault, some militants reportedly fled to the nearby Jakurador Karong market, about 100 meters away, where they set several shops on fire and attacked nearby houses.

Security forces swiftly retaliated, leading to an intense exchange of fire that lasted for over an hour. The firefight resulted in the death of 11 militants. Meanwhile, a relief camp located within the police station premises reported five missing civilians. Authorities are unsure whether the civilians were kidnapped by the retreating militants or if they went into hiding during the attack. A search operation is currently underway.

Following the violent incident, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were issued in the area, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people. Officials cited fears of further disturbances, riots, or damage to property as the rationale for the measure.

Borobekra sub-division has seen a rise in violence since June, making it one of the worst-hit areas in the district. Last week, a 31-year-old woman was killed during an attack on Zairon Hmar village, which also saw the destruction of six houses. This violence is part of ongoing ethnic clashes that have claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands, primarily between the Meitei community in Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the surrounding hills.

While Jiribam had largely remained unaffected by the ethnic unrest, it was rocked by violence in June after the discovery of a mutilated body of a farmer. Since then, the area has experienced several incidents of arson and attacks, leading to mass displacement and the establishment of relief camps.

In mid-July, a CRPF jawan was killed in an ambush while on patrol in the region, further escalating tensions. The situation in the area remains volatile, with authorities working to restore order and ensure the safety of civilians.

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