BSF: The state of Manipur continues to be ravaged by ethnic violence, with clashes primarily occurring between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 3. In the latest incident, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan lost his life during an encounter with a group of insurgents in violence-stricken Manipur during the night of June 5-6. Two personnel from the Assam Rifles also sustained injuries in the ensuing exchange of fire in the Serou region of Manipur, as confirmed by army officials.
The Spear Corps of the Indian Army issued a statement, stating, “One BSF jawan suffered fatal injuries, while two Assam Rifles personnel sustained gunshot wounds (GSW) in the general area of Serou.” The injured soldiers were promptly evacuated by air to Mantripukhri in Imphal for medical treatment.
Ethnic Violence Grips Manipur: BSF Jawan Martyred, 2 Assam Rifles Soldiers Injured in Militant Attack
BSF constable Ranjit Yadav, who tragically lost his life, was stationed at the Serou Practical High School in the Sugnu area of Kakching district, Manipur. Regrettably, he becomes the second BSF official to perish while serving in the state during efforts to restore peace following the outbreak of violence last month.
The incident unfolded as joint operations were underway involving the Assam Rifles, BSF, and Manipur police to maintain control in the Sugnu-Serou area, which has witnessed recent ethnic clashes. According to a spokesperson from the BSF, “At around 4:05 am, suspected Kuki militants indiscriminately opened heavy fire on the BSF personnel stationed at the Serou Practical School. Constable Yadav, from the 163rd battalion, sustained a bullet injury and was rushed to Jitan Hospital in Kakching, where he was declared brought dead.”
Throughout the night, the security forces engaged in an intense exchange of fire with the insurgents. The Spear Corps emphasized, “Extensive area domination operations were conducted by the Assam Rifles, BSF, and Police in the Sugnu/Serou areas of Manipur. Intermittent firing occurred between the Security Forces and the group of insurgents throughout the night of June 5-6, with the Security Forces effectively retaliating.”
Search operations are currently underway to apprehend those responsible for the attack. The security forces escalated their presence in the area following reports of suspected militants setting fire to approximately 100 houses in Serou village, located in Kakching district. Simultaneously, clashes between militant groups and security forces erupted in other parts of the district. Congress MLA K. Ranjit Singh’s residence in Serou was also vandalized by a mob, although Singh and his family managed to escape unharmed.
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As a result of the ongoing area domination operations, the security forces have seized 40 weapons, including automatic firearms, mortars, ammunition, and other warlike materials.
The pervasive ethnic violence in various parts of Manipur has thus far claimed the lives of 98 individuals and left 310 others injured. More than 4,000 cases of arson have been reported, and over 36,000 people have been displaced from their homes, according to officials.
As the authorities continue their efforts to restore peace and stability, it remains imperative to address the root causes of the ethnic conflicts and work towards fostering harmony among the diverse communities in Manipur.
