Manipur Fresh Violence: About 200 gunmen abduct Police officer; Rescued swiftly

In a recent outbreak of violence in Manipur, approximately 200 gunmen reportedly abducted a police officer. However, a prompt and efficient response from law enforcement and security forces led to the swift rescue of the abducted police officer.

Tensions heightened in Manipur on Tuesday when Arambai Tenggol cadres, associated with a Meitei organization, reportedly abducted Additional Superintendent of Police Amit Singh in the Imphal East district. The Manipur Police confirmed the incident, revealing that a swift response from law enforcement and security forces led to the successful rescue of Amit Singh. Currently, the officer, who serves in the operations wing of the Manipur Police, is in stable condition after being admitted to a hospital.

During the Tuesday evening episode, armed cadres linked to Arambai Tenggol allegedly attacked Amit Singh’s residence, causing property damage and gunfire that affected at least four vehicles. In response to the escalating tensions, the Army was called in, and four columns of the Assam Rifles were deployed in Imphal East following the police officer’s abduction.

The Manipur Police provided details of the incident that unfolded around 7 pm on Tuesday, stating that approximately 200 armed miscreants arrived in vehicles to storm Amit Singh’s residence. The Manipur Police shared on X (formerly Twitter), “Firing incident at the residence of Addl SP, IW, Moirangthem Amit, MPS On 27th February 2024. Armed miscreants numbering about 200 coming in vehicles stormed at the residence of the Additional Superintendent of Police, Shri Moirangthem Amit Singh, MPS.”

The police statement continued, “On getting information, additional security forces rushed to the spot. In the resulting police action, two individuals, namely Rabinash Moirangthem and Kangujam Bhimsen, sustained injuries and were admitted to JNIMS Hospital. In the midst of the incident, the Addl SP and one of his escorts were abducted by the armed miscreants. They were later rescued and admitted to Raj Medicity for medical treatment. A case has been registered, and investigation has started.”

Regarding the motive behind the attack, it was reported that the indiscriminate firing occurred because the officer had previously arrested six individuals associated with the group for alleged involvement in vehicle theft. Following these arrests, Meira Paibis (Meitei women’s group) protested and blocked roads, demanding the release of the detainees.

Providing insight into the incident, M Kulla, the father of the police officer, explained, “We tried to talk to the armed men after they entered, but all of a sudden they started firing at the vehicles and properties. So we had to rush inside and lock ourselves.” M Kulla, according to officials, contacted his son, who, along with his team, rushed to the scene but was outnumbered and subsequently abducted by cadres allegedly affiliated with Arambai Tenggol.

The region has experienced heightened violence since May 3, 2023, with over 180 casualties reported after a “Tribal Solidarity March” protested the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This demand has caused tensions with the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, who constitute 40% of the population and primarily reside in the hill districts.