New Delhi: A suspected insurgent attack in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Saturday morning claimed the lives of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and left two others injured. The attack, believed to be carried out by suspected Kuki insurgents, occurred in Naranseina village, where the insurgents fired upon a central security force post from a hillside in the valley region.
According to sources, the situation escalated when a bomb detonated within the outpost, inflicting severe injuries on four security personnel. Despite prompt medical attention, two CRPF personnel succumbed to their injuries, while the other two are currently receiving treatment.
The deceased have been identified as CRPF sub-inspector N Sarkar and head constable Arup Saini from the CRPF’s 128 Battalion stationed at Naranseina. The injured personnel are identified as inspector Jadav Das and constable Aftab Das.
The attack, which occurred just six days before the first anniversary of the start of the Manipur crisis, has raised concerns of heightened insurgent activities in the region. Top police sources indicate that militants hiding in the hills are likely to intensify their attacks in the coming days.
The assault took place at an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp where CRPF personnel were stationed following their poll duty in the state. Situated approximately 2 kilometres away from the hills, the camp was targeted by insurgents using a crude artillery weapon known as a “pumpi gun”.
As per reports, the militants launched their attack around midnight and continued firing until approximately 2:15 am, accompanied by bomb explosions within the outpost. A significant combing operation is currently underway in the area to apprehend the perpetrators.
Notably, the Bishnupur district has been previously marred by violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo armed groups. The valley, primarily inhabited by the Meitei community, has seen tensions with the Kuki people residing in the hills, highlighting the complex socio-political landscape of Manipur.
