In the border town of Moreh, located 110 km from Imphal, a Manipur Police commando lost his life today during an attack by miscreants. The incident led to an ongoing exchange of fire between security forces and the assailants throughout the morning, according to government sources.
Reports suggest that the miscreants targeted a security post near Moreh, throwing bombs and firing at the location. Moreh, a critical trading town on the India-Myanmar border, witnessed further violence as the attackers fired RPG shells at a temporary commando post, causing damage to several parked vehicles in the vicinity.
The deceased commando was identified as Wangkhem Somorjit, an IRB personnel attached to the state police commando in Moreh. Somorjit hailed from Malom in Imphal West district.
The escalation in violence follows large-scale protests by Kuki groups, triggered by the police arrests of two tribals in connection with the killing of a police officer. A video of the clash has emerged, depicting armed miscreants pushing back a security truck attempting to enter Moreh.
Earlier, in response to the potential threat to public peace and security in the Tengnoupal district, the Manipur government imposed a total curfew from 12 am on January 16. The curfew exempted government agencies involved in law enforcement and essential services.
The arrests of Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate, primary suspects in the killing of SDPO Ch Anand in October 2023, had sparked tensions. Allegations of police aggression against Kuki civilians were vehemently condemned by Moreh-based civil bodies, including Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal. The Kuki tribes have demanded the removal of state police from Moreh, advocating for the presence of only central forces. In response, Manipur Police refuted the allegations, attributing attacks on state police commandos to hill-based insurgents.
The Manipur violence, ongoing since May 3, 2023, has resulted in over 180 fatalities and internal displacement of thousands.
