Imphal: Security forces in Manipur, including Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have launched a coordinated rescue operation to ensure the safe recovery of six missing internally displaced persons (IDPs) after violence erupted in Jiribam district, officials said.
According to the police, six individuals, including three minors, were taken captive by armed militants during an intense gunfight with security forces on Monday at Jakuradhor in Jiribam district. The incident unfolded when militants launched an attack on the Borobekra Police Station and an adjacent CRPF post in Jakuradhor, resulting in the deaths of 11 militants.
Inspector General of Police (Operations) Dr. I.K. Muivah informed that around 2:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, heavily armed militants launched a coordinated assault on the police station and CRPF post using rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic firearms. The attack inflicted significant damage on nearby houses, with several structures set ablaze.
In retaliation, Civil Police and CRPF personnel engaged in an intense 40-45 minute exchange of gunfire with the militants, resulting in the deaths of 10 insurgents. Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including three AK rifles, four SLRs, two INSAS rifles, one RPG, one pump-action gun, bulletproof helmets, and magazines.
Muivah emphasized that swift action by the security forces prevented further violence in Jiribam. “They (armed miscreants) were found wearing military type of dress which proves that they were there to create violence. However, because of the role played by the CRPF, the scale of violence and casualty was controlled which could have resulted in more civilian harm,” he said.
One CRPF constable sustained injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment. Additional reinforcements from Assam Rifles, CRPF, and Civil Police have been deployed, and security operations around the Jakuradhor area, under Borobekra Police Station jurisdiction, have been intensified.