Two Manipur Police Commandos Killed in Militant Attack on Security Forces in Moreh

IMPHAL: In a tragic incident that unfolded on Wednesday, two Manipur Police commandos lost their lives while two others sustained injuries in a militant attack on security forces in Moreh, a town located along the Myanmar border. The police personnel were conducting search operations when they were targeted by suspected militants.

Militant Attack Claims Lives of Police Commandos

According to police officials in Imphal, Wangkhem Somorjit, a police commando from the Malom area, was killed in the attack, while three others, including Takhellambam Saileshwore, also a police commando, were injured. Unfortunately, Saileshwore later succumbed to his injuries. The incident took place during a search operation in Moreh, with the security forces facing heavy exchange of fire and even rocket-propelled grenades from the militants.

Clash Erupts as Tribals Attempt to Stop Medical Treatment

Following the attack, as the injured security personnel were being transported to the hospital for medical treatment, a group of tribals, including women, tried to stop them. This led to a clash between the forces and the tribal group, resulting in injuries to several tribal individuals. Earlier, there were claims of a woman being killed in the clash, but later, it was clarified that she had sustained serious injuries and was undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Additional Security Forces Deployed to Control Situation

As tensions escalated, additional security forces, including Assam Rifles, rushed to the bordering areas to bring the situation under control. Moreover, hundreds of protestors, including members of the women’s organization Meira Paibis, organized rallies demanding reinforcement of state forces in Moreh. However, their march towards the Chief Minister’s official bungalow was halted by the security forces.

Government’s Response and Public Demands

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh held a meeting with top security officials to review the situation and address the concerns arising from the Moreh incident. The Manipur government has also requested the Union Home Ministry for additional helicopters to meet emergency requirements in the border areas. In the midst of this, the Moreh-based Meetei Council urged both the central and state governments to flush out Kuki militants who are supported by insurgents from Myanmar.

Fearing further violence, the district administration imposed a total curfew in the troubled Tengnoupal district. In a separate incident, the arrest of BJP leader Hemkholal Mate and former soldier Philip Khaikholal Khongsai sparked demands for their release in Moreh, while protests erupted in Imphal Valley, calling for the case to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and for exemplary punishment to the detainees.

Background of Moreh and the Border Town’s Diversity

Moreh, located in the Tengnoupal district, is an ancient and prominent trading town situated on the India-Myanmar border. Over the years, it has been home to various communities, including Kuki, Meitei, Naga, Tamil, Pangal, Gorkha, Sikh, and others, living in peace and harmony. Moreh is just four kilometers west of Tamu, Myanmar’s largest border town, and approximately 110 kilometers south of Imphal.

As the situation remains tense, it is hoped that swift actions and enhanced collaboration between state and central security forces will ensure the safety and security of the citizens in the border town of Moreh.

(Image Source: TheMeghalayan.com)

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