Militant attack in Manipur; CRPF jawan martyred

IMPHAL: A CRPF jawan was martyred in an attack in Manipur's Jiribam district. One jawan and three police officers were injured.

Ajay Kumar Jha (43), a native of Bihar, died a heroic death. There was a clash between armed assailants and security forces at Mongbung in Jiribam around 9.30 am. The attack took place when a joint team of CRPF and police were on their way to Mongbung village to investigate the shooting incident on Saturday. The armed assailants ambushed and the forces retaliated. Meanwhile, the soldiers were shot. Ajay Kumar Jha was shot in the head. He was taken to the hospital but could not be saved. Officials informed that the injured are undergoing treatment and their health condition is satisfactory. It is reported that Kuki rioters are behind the attack.

Several attacks have been reported in Jiribam recently. Condemning the attack, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed condolences to the jawan. Last month, 70 houses and police outposts were burnt down during clashes between Kuki and Meitei factions. The conflict between the Kuki-Meitei factions in May last year has been continueing in many areas. Many people have been killed in the riots so far. 67,000 people were left homeless.

Weapons seized

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police informed that weapons and ammunition were seized during the search conducted in Imphal East and West districts. AK-56 rifle, self-loading rifle, indigenously made SLR, several pistols, hand grenades and 25 rounds of ammunition were seized.