Imphal, April 27: In a brazen attack by suspected Kuki militants in the Naransena area of Manipur’s Bishnupur district, two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others sustained critical injuries. The deceased personnel belonged to the CRPF’s 128 Battalion, which was deployed for security duties in the region. The incident took place in the wee hours today.
The powerful blast inflicted severe injuries on four CRPF jawans – Jadav Das, N. Sarkar, Arup Saini, and Aftab Hussain. Despite immediate medical attention, the conditions of CRPF sub-inspector N. Sarkar and head constable Arup Saini proved too critical to overcome, and they tragically succumbed to their injuries. The other two injured personnel, Jadav Das and Aftab Hussain, are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, with doctors closely monitoring their critical but stable condition.
A senior police officer said, “The militants targeted the post by indiscriminate firing from the hilltops. The firing started around 12:30 at night and continued till around 2:15 am. The terrorists also lobbed grenades, one of which exploded inside the camp of 128 battalion of CRPF.” The CRPF personnel were deployed for security of the IRBN camp. The police said a massive search operation is underway to track down the individuals involved in the attack.
Four personnel were injured in the explosion. They were immediately rushed to the hospital, where two of them succumbed to their injuries. Treatment of the other injured personnel is underway, whose condition is said to be critical.
The incident has further exacerbated tensions in Manipur, which has been grappling with a spiraling cycle of ethnic violence since May 2023. The clashes between the Meitei community of Imphal Valley and the Kuki tribes inhabiting the hill districts have already claimed over 200 precious lives and triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, with thousands being rendered homeless. Few days ago, a vital bridge on National Highway 2 in Kangpokpi district was partially damaged in an IED blast.