Manipur Police Commandos Ambushed Hours After Cop's Death In Moreh, Three Injured

Several police commandoes , en route to Moreh as a reinforcement team in response to the killing of a sub-divisional police officer, fell victim to an ambush on Tuesday. In the attack that unfolded around 3 pm at Sinam village in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, three Manipur police personnel suffered injuries, as per sources close to the matter.

The wounded police officers are identified as Head Constable Shirak Thuikhavang, S. Sekharjit Singh, and Leimapokpam Bangkim Meitei. Among them, Thuikhavang, aged 39, sustained severe bullet injuries to both his hand and abdomen. Singh, aged 29, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, while Bangkim Meitei also sustained a bullet injury to his leg.

All three injured officers have been transported to Imphal, the capital of Manipur, where they will receive medical treatment for their injuries.

The ambush took place hours after the killing of Moreh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Chingtham Anand. Anand was shot by suspected tribal militants at Moreh in Tengnoupal district while inspecting the newly constructed helipad at Eastern ground in the border town, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at a primary health center in Moreh.

This incident occurred amid growing demands from various civil society organizations, particularly those based in Moreh, for the withdrawal of state forces from the border town.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed his sorrow over the "cold-blooded killing" of the officer, stating, "His dedication to serve and protect the people will always be remembered. The perpetrators will be brought to justice."

Subsequently, an emergency cabinet meeting was convened at the Chief Minister's office to strongly condemn the "dastardly act." The cabinet approved an ex-gratia compensation of ₹50 lakh for the deceased officer's family and pledged to provide suitable government employment to the officer's next-of-kin. Furthermore, the cabinet directed the launch of a joint operation in Moreh and the surrounding areas to apprehend the culprits responsible for the crime, with the operation to continue until their arrest.