Fresh spate of violence in Manipur, police commando killed in the border town of Moreh

A new spate of violence erupted in Manipur on Wednesday as security forces clashed with militants in the border town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district. As per reports, a police commando lost his life in the cross-firing that ensued between the militants and the forces.

According to reports, militants reportedly hurled bombs and opened fire at a security post near SBI Moreh. In response, the security forces resorted to retaliatory gunfire. The deceased officer has been recognized as W Somorjit, and the other police commandoes have sustained injuries in the exchange.

The militants attacked the police in the vicinity of Ward 7, leading to a prolonged hour-long gunfight. This sudden spate of violence comes just two days after two people were arrested, suspected of killing a police officer in Moreh.

The Manipur government has imposed a complete curfew in the district owing to concerns about the “potential disruption of peace, disturbance of public tranquility, and significant threats to human lives and property within the revenue jurisdiction of Tengnoupal." The curfew excludes law enforcement agencies and essential services from its restrictions.

On Tuesday night, clashes were reported between village volunteers and suspected militants in Koutruk village, Imphal West district. The firing was brought to a halt by the central government forces.

Local police arrested Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate on Monday for their alleged involvement in the murder of SDPO Ch Anand in October of the previous year. They have been placed in nine-day police custody. Police reported the seizure of one pistol with two live rounds, one Chinese hand grenade, ten live rounds of AK ammunition, and ten detonators from their possession.

Over 200 lives have been, and thousands displaced owing to the violent ethnic clashes that erupted in Manipur, starting May 3.