Manipur Violence: Eleven Suspected Militants Killed in Gunfight with Security Forces in Jiribam

Eleven suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces on Monday in Manipur's Jiribam district. The attackers, wearing camouflage and armed with advanced weapons, targeted a police station and a nearby CRPF camp. Two CRPF personnel were injured during the exchange of fire at Borobekra, with one in critical condition, officials reported.

Following the attack, violence erupted in several locations within Imphal Valley. Armed groups from opposing sides engaged in gunfire exchanges, according to police reports. The Kuki-Zo Council announced a shutdown in the state's hill areas from 5 am to 6 pm on Tuesday to mourn those killed.

Militant Attacks and Retaliation

The militants set fire to shops and houses around Jakurador Karong market, as well as the Borobekra police station and adjacent CRPF camp. Security forces retaliated, leading to a heavy exchange of fire that resulted in the deaths of 11 suspected militants, officials stated.

In a post on X, Manipur Police detailed the incident: "Today, 11th November, 2024 at about 3 pm, the CRPF Post located at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station located nearby, Jiribam District were attacked by armed militants. The security forces retaliated strongly." One CRPF constable, Sanjeev Kumar, was injured and taken to Silchar Medical College for treatment.

Continued Violence in Imphal Valley

After the firing ceased, security forces recovered ten bodies of armed militants along with various weapons including AKs, SLRs, INSAS rifles, an RPG, and a pump-action gun. A criminal case has been registered and investigations are ongoing. Reinforcement teams from Assam Rifles, CRPF, and police were dispatched to the area.

In the evening, clashes were reported from villages in Imphal West and East districts. Militants allegedly fired from Kangpokpi district hilltops into low-lying areas of Koutruk in Imphal West. Armed village volunteers retaliated against these attacks.

Impact on Local Communities

In Kangchup area of Imphal West district, militants set fire to abandoned houses and other structures. Two individuals, Phuritsabam Devananda and Ningombam Romesh, sustained injuries from bomb shrapnel. Panic spread in Lamshang after an improvised mortar shell landed in Phumlou Kameng residential area.

Sporadic violence has persisted in Imphal Valley over recent days. The incident in Jiribam has intensified tensions. Earlier that morning, a farmer was injured by gunfire while working in Yaingangpokpi Shantikhongban area of Imphal East.

Community Response and Safety Measures

The attacks have disrupted paddy harvesting as farmers fear going to fields near conflict zones. The Churachandpur-based Kuki-Zo Council condemned the violence: "The loss of our precious Kuki-Zo lives is not only a devastating blow to the families but to the entire Kuki-Zo Community who stand united in our pursuit of peace, justice, and security."

A relief camp within Borobekra police station premises reported five missing individuals. It remains unclear if they were kidnapped or went into hiding during the attack. Authorities are conducting searches for them.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS have been imposed due to concerns over potential disturbances or riots caused by anti-social elements. Borobekra sub-division has experienced multiple violent incidents since June.

Ethnic violence between Meiteis from Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups from adjoining hills has claimed over 200 lives since May last year. Jiribam had largely remained unaffected until violence erupted following the discovery of a mutilated farmer's body in June this year.