SFs attacked in Moreh; public-army standoff in Bishnupur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 08 2024: The state and central forces in Moreh continued to face heavy firing and bomb attacks from armed Kuki militants on Monday.

A bomb unleashed by Kuki militants exploded close to NH David Furniture located near the 5 AR post in Moreh around 8:20 am.

Since early morning the armed Kuki militants started attacking the state and central forces using sophisticated weapons and bombs.

The militants attacked the security forces from different sides including from Moreh Ward No 7 Chawangphai, Canan Veng, Moreh Ward No 9, New Moreh and from along the side of Hotel Ellora.

The security forces deployed in Moreh including special commandos, IRB, AR, Moreh police commando unit, BSF and Tengnoupal district police also resorted to retaliatory firing to keep the Kuki militants at bay.

However, there is no report of injury or casualty on either side though the exchange of firing between security forces and Kuki militants continued till late evening.

It may be mentioned that on Sunday, there were also heavy exchange of firing between security forces deployed in Moreh and armed Kuki militants which lasted till late night.

Though were no casualty on the side of the security forces, police sources speculate that some of the Kuki militants might be injured.

On the other-hand, a huge standoff ensued between Kumaon Regiment and Meira Paibi of Phougakchao after a trooper of the former was apprehended by the locals for entering an abandoned house in the area under Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station in Bishnupur district around 7am Monday.

As per reports culled from the spot, one of the Regiment troopers entered the abandoned home in a suspicious manner and was detained by the Meira Paibi activists.

The Meira Paibis questioned the trooper, who identified himself as Assam Rifles personnel.

Being suspicious, the Meira Paibi continued questioning him.

Amid this, other personnel of Kumaon Regiment arrived at the spot and took the person away to their post at Phougakchao Ikhai.

The Meira Paibis immediately raised an alarm to the locals and went to the post with personnel of Phougakchao Ikhai PS.

They then brought out the personnel in question and handed him over to the custody of the PS.

The Kumaon Regiment led by its OC arrived at the PS instantaneously and tried to take away the personnel, leading to a huge standoff with the people.

The Regiment then started thrashing the youths, which further aggravated the situation.

They then tried to force their way into the PS but were blocked by the Meira Paibis.

Later, Bishnupur additional SP (L&O) Satyam Takhellambam along with SDPO Moirang talked with CO of the Kumaon Regiment, following which the Regiment was allowed to take away the detained trooper at around 10am.Meanwhile, security forces conducted search operations at different places and recovered numerous weapons on Monday.

According to police report, a combined team of Kakching district commando, Waikhong police including women personnel and BSF launched search operation in Waikhong Tang-sam Leikai area from 6am to 8am and recovered two SBBL country-made (Single Bore Barrel), one 81 mm mortar HE bomb, one Baofeng walkie-talkie, five 36 HE Indian made hand grenade and five 12 bore live rounds.

These weapons were found buried under a pine tree at Waikhong Tangsam Leikai Chingthak.

Meanwhile, acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of arms and ammunition in general area of Aimol village in Kangpokpi district, a combined team of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint search operation and recovered one self-loading rifle, one assault rifle, one single shot barrel gun, ammunition, two grenades and other war like stores.

Combined team of Kangpokpi district police and 16 AR also conducted search operation in Maohing and Changoubung Khul areas and recovered three country-made pompi mortar guns, one CMG magazine and one .32 pistol.

On the other hand, under the supervision of Imphal West district police SP, a joint team of Imphal West district commando, Sekmai police station and 184 Bn CRPF launched search operation in Awang I.eikinthabi area.

During the operation, 280 houses were searched and verified 850 people.

Similarly, Imphal East district police conducted search operation at Ishikha village under Sagolmang police station and verified 40 people.

Kakching district police also conducted search operation at Serou Bazar and Serou Mamang Leikai under Sugnu police station and verified 110 people.

However, no one was arrested during the operations, it added.

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