IMPHAL: A Manipur Police commando lost his life in a gunfight sparked by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on a security forces camp in Moreh, a border town in Manipur.
The incident unfolded in the morning of January 16 and the deceased personnel has been identified as Wangkhem Somorjit of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) associated with Manipur Police commando in Moreh from Malom in Imphal West district.
According to the local press, the Manipur Police commandos were inside their camp when unidentified gunmen initiated the attack with an RPG, followed by intense gunfire.
Somorjit succumbed to the assault, while another commando sustained injuries in the exchange. The gunfight persisted for almost an hour, amplifying the tension in the area.
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The incident occurred just two days after state forces apprehended two suspects linked to the killing of a police officer in the border town.
The arrested individuals were found in possession of weaponry, including a pistol, a Chinese hand grenade, live AK ammunition rounds, and detonators.
Responding to the heightened threat, the state government imposed a total curfew in Tengnoupal district, starting from midnight on January 16.
The curfew was enforced based on intelligence inputs suggesting a “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity, and grave danger to human lives and property”, the local press reported.
Moreh, situated in the Tengnoupal district, has been on edge following a series of attacks on security forces, particularly Manipur Police commandos.
The region has been under a curfew since October 30, after the murder of a Manipur Police officer, and tensions have persisted.
Earlier on January 15, two individuals, including a former territorial army soldier and the head of Moreh’s village defence force, were arrested for their involvement in the October 30 murder.
Meanwhile, reports of firing were also reported at Koutruk village in Imphal West district, involving village volunteers and suspected Kuki militants.
The situation was eventually brought under control after the intervention of Central security forces.
