A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed in a gun battle with suspected militants in Mongbung village, Jiribam district of Manipur, on Sunday morning. The incident resulted in injuries to another CRPF jawan and two state police commandos.
According to Manipur police, the exchange of fire began around 9:30 am in Mongbung and Seijang villages. During the intense gunfight, a CRPF jawan was struck on his forehead and succumbed to his injuries despite being evacuated to Jiribam District Hospital. The deceased has been identified as Ajay Kumar Jha, a 43-year-old resident of Bihar.
The injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at Jiribam District Hospital. The gunfight ceased around 11:30 am.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh strongly condemned the attack, expressing his condolences to the deceased jawan’s family and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. He specifically condemned the killing of a CRPF personnel in an attack carried out by an armed group suspected to be Kuki militants.
In response to the attack, additional security forces were deployed to Mongbung village. A vehicle belonging to security personnel was damaged during the gun battle.
The state of Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2022, resulting in over 200 fatalities. The latest incident underscores the ongoing security challenges and the volatile situation in the region.
