GUWAHATI: A sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) was shot dead by armed miscreants in Moreh of Tengnoupal district on Tuesday.
The attack occurred during a police inspection of a newly constructed helipad at Eastern Ground, a border town predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community.
Reportedly a group of insurgents opened fire on the policemen during their inspection, leading to SDPO Chingtham Anand sustaining a bullet injury. He was swiftly rushed to a primary health centre nearby however, despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injury.
In response to the incident, an operation has been initiated in the region to apprehend those responsible for the attack. This incident has raised concerns over the security situation in the area.
According to a national news agency, this incident follows weeks of demands by various civil society organisations, particularly those in Moreh, to remove state forces from the border town. The situation was further compounded by the recent arrests of more than ten Myanmarese individuals who were allegedly involved in theft and illegal entry into Indian territory, specifically accused of stealing furniture and household items from abandoned Meitei residences.
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Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condoled the death of the officer. “Deeply saddened by the cold-blooded killing of SDPO Chingtham Anand, OC Moreh Police this morning. His dedication to serve and protect the people will always be remembered. The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he posted on a micro-blogging website.
Meanwhile, security forces have seized arms and explosives in Manipur’s Imphal East and Churachandpur districts. Over the course of the past 24 hours, security forces conducted operations in various locations, resulting in the seizure of multiple firearms and explosives. In Imphal East district, they confiscated four firearms, 20 hand grenades, and five empty rifle magazines in the areas of Sanjenbam Khullen, Gouranagar, and Terakhong village.
Additionally, six firearms, including two 9 mm pistols, along with 21 hand grenades and a mortar shell, were recovered from the Sanjenlok hilltop and Eshingthembi hilltop in Imphal East district.
