Fresh violence in Manipur: 5 killed in Jiribam, day after rocket attacks in Bishnupur district

Kulachandra’s wife Y Bemcha said she was making breakfast when the incident occurred. Three armed assailants entered their home and shot her husband dead before fleeing the scene.

Subsequently, armed assailants engaged in a heavy exchange of fire in the Nunchapi area, leading to the deaths of three suspected Kuki militants and an armed Meitei man.

The situation in the area continues to be tense, as per sources.

Kabib K, IG (Intelligence) said a team led by the superintendent of police had come under heavy attack, leading to retaliatory firing.

Kabib said the police had recovered three bodies in military fatigues from the site of the heavy exchange of fire. “We are also waiting for details from the ground (Jiribam). The identities of the three miscreants are yet to be established,” he said.

According to the police, the situation in Jiribam is being brought under control with the help of additional security personnel.

The police officer also said that two police personnel including an inspector were hurt in an ambush on Friday night in the Khabeisoi area of Imphal East district. The injured personnel, now out of danger, were part of an operation to prevent theft attempts at the armoury of 7 Manipur Rifles in Khabeisoi.

“The police team was returning to their designated post after a successful operation to prevent arms looting when they came under attack. The team was unable to retaliate owing to the presence of many civilians and retreated from the scene using tear gas and blank fire,” said Kabib.

“We would like to warn that there will be serious consequences if anyone attacks the security forces or loots their arms,” he said.

Tension escalated also at Sugnu in Kakching district, from where gunfire and bombing were reported.

On Friday, rocket attacks killed a man at the home of late former chief minister Mairenbam Koireng and destroyed two structures in Bishnupur district.

Official sources said the police were planning to buy more anti-drone and equipment to counter long-range rocket attacks. The police have intensified search operations in fringe areas, particularly from where drones and rocket attacks were reported, they added.