Guwahati: In a tragic incident, suspected militants have brutally killed four villagers, including a father and his son, in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The victims, who hailed from Akasoi village in Bishnupur district, had ventured into the nearby forested areas of Churachandpur on Wednesday to collect firewood. They were kidnapped by the militants and subsequently murdered, according to a police official in Imphal.

Bodies Recovered, Victims Identified

The bodies of the victims, identified as Ibomcha Singh, his son Anand Singh Romen Singh (38), and Dara Singh (37), were recovered on Thursday by a police team from Kumbi in Bishnupur district. The news of their demise spread through social media, prompting villagers to inform the police. Currently, security forces are conducting search operations to apprehend the militants responsible for this heinous act.

State Government Takes Action

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed concerns about potential future attacks and initiated mass combing operations in and around Moreh to capture the armed men. The unified command, consisting of Assam Rifles, BSF, and state police commandos, is collaborating to combat the militants. The chief minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding the people and territory of Manipur, stating that the security forces are countering the militants’ attacks.

Security Advisor Assures Action

Kuldiep Singh, the security advisor to the Manipur government, addressed the situation in Moreh, where clashes between suspected militants and state forces have been ongoing. He stated that efforts are being made to occupy the heights from which the militants have launched attacks, making it difficult for them to target security forces. Singh also emphasized that the state forces will act wherever necessary, dismissing any demands to evict them from specific locations.

Continuous Gunfights in Border Town

The border town of Moreh, located just 4 km west of Myanmar’s largest border town Tamu, has been witnessing heavy gunfights between suspected militants and state forces. The clashes, which have occurred on both Sunday and Monday, have raised tensions in the area. Moreh, situated 110 km south of Imphal, has experienced a series of violent incidents since May 3. Some sections of the local community have opposed the deployment of state police forces in the international border town.

Kuki Zo Community’s Demand

The Kuki Zo community has been demanding the removal of state police forces from Moreh. Their demand stems from the restiveness in the area and their concerns regarding the presence of security forces on the international border. The situation remains tense as the state government tries to address these grievances.