IMPHAL: Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Akhilesh Prasad Singh, has assured that efforts are underway to identify the miscreants responsible for the fatal attack on the CRPF camp in Naransena, Bishnupur district.
Speaking to the press about the attack that claimed the lives of two CRPF personnel on Saturday, Singh stated, “In the past year, there has been heavy deployment of CRPF in the state, and we have been engaged in various capacities to maintain peace. This is the first time that Underground Groups (UGs) have attacked one of our camps located in a remote area.”
Singh also pointed out that the isolated location of the camp likely facilitated the entry of the armed UGs. “The positioning of the camp likely facilitated their entry, enabling them to carry out the attack against us. We deeply regret that,” he added.
Expressing profound grief over the death of the two CRPF personnel, Singh highlighted that while most individuals desire peace and harmony in Manipur, there are some with “anti-national or anti-social” ideologies disrupting the peace efforts of security agencies.
He expressed hope for these fringe elements to realise the importance of unity and eventually integrate into the mainstream.
Regarding the weaponry used in such attacks, he noted their varied sources, ranging from locally crafted to looted and imported arms.
Earlier, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had condemned the attack, labelling it as a “cowardly act” against dedicated personnel striving to uphold peace and stability in the state.
He pledged that the sacrifices made by these brave individuals will be remembered and honoured.
The attack in the Naransena area occurred on April 27, resulted in the tragic demise of two CRPF personnel from the 128 Battalion stationed in Bishnupur district.
The exchange of firing reportedly began at midnight and persisted until 2:15 am, directly targeting the outpost.
According to reports, armed groups fired upon a village in the Naransena area and also launched a bomb that exploded within the CRPF outpost premises, causing injuries to four personnel – Jadav Das, N Sarkar, Arup Saini, and Aftab Hussain.
Unfortunately, Sarkar and Saini succumbed to their injuries.
Responding to reports of the involvement of Kuki-Zo militants in the attack, top Kuki organizations have denounced the recent accusations levelled against the community.
