The northeastern state of Manipur witnessed a gruesome incident as two policemen lost their lives in a deadly ambush by militants in Moreh town. The attack took place near the iconic Ima Kondong Lairembi Devi temple, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the region.
Ambush Details:
The ambush unfolded when militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at a temporary police unit and commando posts near the temple. The targeted attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two police personnel, identified as Wangkhem Somorjit (32) and Takhellambam Saileshwore. The assailants showed no mercy, leaving the security forces and local authorities grappling with the aftermath.
Identified Victims:
Wangkhem Somorjit (32): Hailing from Lamshang in Imphal West district, Somorjit succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack. The militants struck near Ima Kondong Lairembi Devi temple in the morning, fatally hitting Somorjit.
Takhellambam Saileshwore: Another victim of the ambush, Saileshwore, lost his life in the evening during a subsequent militant attack in Moreh. The escalation of violence underscores the challenges faced by security forces and policemen in maintaining order and combating insurgency.
Injured Personnel:
The attack also left two other personnel injured – Constable N Bheem (35) and ASI Sidharth Thokchom (35). Both injured individuals were airlifted from Moreh and admitted to RIMS in Imphal for necessary medical treatment.
Joint Action Committee’s Demand for Justice:
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing the local community, voiced its strong demand for justice. In a collective stance, the committee declared that the bodies of the deceased personnel would not be accepted by their respective families until the culprits responsible for the attack are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.
Protests and Mourning:
Following the deadly ambush, women protesters, dressed in traditional mourning outfits, took to the streets to express their grief and demand justice. They blocked the road to Imphal airport, disrupting vehicular movement. The visual protests underscore the emotional toll and anger within the community.
Meira Paibis Rally for Increased Security:
Meira Paibis, a prominent women’s group, organized a rally demanding the reinforcement of state forces in Moreh. The group marched towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow to convey their concerns but was halted by the police. The rallying cry emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced security measures to curb escalating violence.
Allegations from Kuki Community:
In a noteworthy development, some groups from the Kuki community have alleged the involvement of cadres from banned outfits like the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and Arambai Tenggol. These groups claim that these cadres are operating alongside Manipur state police commandoes, raising concerns about collaboration and potential repercussions on the tribal community.
Ongoing Tensions in Moreh:
Moreh has been experiencing frequent exchanges of fire between security forces and militants in recent days. The latest ambush comes merely 48 hours after the arrest of two suspects involved in the killing of Moreh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). The incidents highlight the persistent security challenges and tensions prevailing in the region.
The deadly ambush in Manipur serves as a stark reminder of the complex security landscape in India’s northeastern states. As investigations unfold and tensions persist, authorities face the daunting task of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of residents and policemen in the troubled region.
