Police officer injured in suspected militant attack in Manipur

The incident occurred at 3:30 pm on Saturday, as the militants employed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosives to target the security forces.

In response to the attack, state security forces retaliated, and as of the writing of this report, a gunfight was underway.

The injured police officer is currently receiving medical treatment at the 5 Assam Rifles camp, a report in the media said.

Last month, an India Reserve Battalion (IRB) soldier and a civilian lost their lives in an attack perpetrated by unidentified armed individuals in Manipur's Kangpokpi district.

The ambush occurred between Haraothel and Kobsha villages, where gunfire targeted a vehicle carrying IRB personnel and its driver, resulting in fatal casualties.

It is noteworthy that Manipur, in the northeastern region, has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts.

The march protested the demand by the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The unrest stemmed from tensions surrounding the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, sparking a series of smaller protests.

Meiteis constitute around 53 percent of Manipur's population, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, while Nagas and Kukis, the tribal communities, make up about 40 percent, residing in the hill districts.

The ethnic clashes resulted in over 180 casualties, necessitating the deployment of approximately 10,000 army and paramilitary personnel to restore normalcy in the northeastern state.