A CRPF sub-inspector and a head constable were killed while two other personnel sustained injuries following an attack by suspected militants at the 128-CRPF B-Coy personnel attached at 2nd IRB Battalion headquarters in Naranseina Maning under the jurisdiction of Moirang Police Station on Saturday.
In the incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, a group of suspected Kuki militants, armed with sophisticated weapons and explosives, engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with security personnel from CRPF, B-128 Battalion. The encounter took place at the western side of 2nd IRB HQ, Naranseina Maning, lasting approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
According to reports, suspected Kuki militants initiated the attack by firing upon the CRPF personnel, prompting them to retaliate. The intense gunfire and bombing resulted in serious injuries to several CRPF personnel, who were swiftly evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Four CRPF personnel were injured and taken to Bishnupur district Hospital. However, Sub-Inspector Nasaruddin Sharkar (55) of Bhomrabil Village, Kokrajhar district in Assam was declared brought dead at the Hospital. Head Constable Arup Sainik (30) of Panchal Village, Bankura district in West Bengal succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. Inspector Yadav Das (52) of Barpeta, Assam and Constable Aftabul Ul Hussain (37) of Nalbari Assam are undergoing treatment at RIMS hospital.
Reports said that a post mortem has been conducted on the bodies of deceased. Moreover, the post mortem reports said that a foreign made projectile and numerous splinters were found in the chest of SI Sarkar.
As per sources, the 128-CRPF B-Coy personnel were stationed at the IRB Battalion H/Q and only 19 CRPF personnels were staying at a church located at the backside of the battalion. The battalion is fenced with barbed wires and Loktak Project low canal is located just next to the fence. 9th Sikh Regiment were also stationed at the left, right and backside of the 2nd IRB battalion.
As per police reports, suspected Kuki militants carried out the attack after entering past the barbed wire. They not only fired gunshots but also hurled three Chinese hand grenades of which only one exploded. The CRPF personnel also retaliated to the attack from inside the church.
The two unexploded hand grenades were detonated by the bomb experts of 9th Sikh regiment in the nearby fields later in the day around 9:00 am.
Following the attack, 9th Sikh Regiment, 128-CRPF and CDO Bishnupur district carried out search operations at Khoirentak Maning Ching, Churachandpur District but initially CDO Bishnupur team were not allowed to go up in the hills. Later on, they were allowed to join the search party.
Upon conducting searches in the area, law enforcement authorities seized a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including 145 live rounds, 197 empty cases, and 32 projectiles. Additionally, a black walkie-talkie and two unexploded Chinese hand grenades were recovered from the scene. The bomb disposal squad promptly disposed of the grenades to ensure the safety of civilians and security personnel.
In response to the confrontation, a massive search operation was launched, resulting in the recovery of four weapons along with several cartridges.
Furthermore, three bunkers belonging to the suspected militants were destroyed in Langchingmanbi and Khoirentak areas as part of the security forces' efforts to maintain law and order in the region.
Subsequently, a case was registered under FIR No. 37(04)2024 MRG-PS, invoking sections 400, 307, 326, 427, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as relevant sections of the Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.
Meanwhile, a village volunteer who had gone missing, following a gunfight with Kuki militants on Friday noon at Uchekkon Mathak Tharakyanbi under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East, was found dead in the early hours of Saturday.
The deceased has been identified as one Laishram Prem alias Bomcha, 33, son of L Norendro of Sinam Mamang Leikai. The body was found around 5 am at Meikhang Ching by a combined team of Police and village volunteers. The exact cause of the death is yet to be ascertained but it appeared that Laishram Prem fell into a gorge after slipping down from a hillslope.
Sagolmang Police Station has registered a case in connection with the incident. The body has been handed over to the family members after conducting a post-mortem at JNIMS Mortuary.
