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Manipur's border town of Moreh on Wednesday witnessed heightened tensions as suspected Kuki militants launched an attack on a security forces vehicle, while they were travelling through Tengnoupal district, resulting in the death of a state police personnel according to police reports.

 

Wangkhem Somorjit, an Indian Reserve Batallion (IRB) personnel attached to the state police commando in Moreh, hailing from Malom in Imphal West district, was martyred during the assault by the militants. The attackers, suspected to be Kuki militants, engaged in gunfire with security forces at three different locations in Moreh town on that fateful morning.

 

The militants strategically targeted a security forces post near SBI Moreh, employing both bombs and gunfire. In a swift response, security forces retaliated promptly, leading to a tense exchange of fire. The assailants went further by firing RPG shells at a temporary command post, causing damage to several parked vehicles in the vicinity.

 

This attack unfolded just 48 hours after the state forces had successfully apprehended two key suspects allegedly involved in the killing of a police officer in Moreh. Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate, the main suspects, were taken into custody after firing at security personnel vehicles, leading to a chase and subsequent apprehension. The duo was presented before the Judicial Magistrate Moreh and has been remanded to nine days of police custody.

 

However, the arrests triggered strong opposition from Moreh-based civil bodies, including Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal. These bodies vehemently condemned the arrests, demanding the unconditional release of the suspects within 24 hours and warning of serious repercussions if their demands were not met.

 

In response to the escalating tensions, the Manipur government took preemptive measures by imposing a total curfew in Tengnoupal district from January 16 at midnight. The curfew, declared by the Tengnoupal District Magistrate, has, however, made exceptions for government agencies involved in law enforcement, order maintenance, and essential services.

 

Meanwhile, the seriousness of the condition has prompted the Manipur government to seek assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Commissioner Home T Ranjit Singh, in a letter to the Additional Secretary (Police II Division), requested helicopters to meet emergency requirements in Moreh. The letter stated that the law and order situation had become a matter of serious concern due to continuous exchanges of fire, resulting in the death of an IRB personnel.

 

Singh's letter highlighted the urgent need for helicopters for at least seven days, citing the heavy exchange of fire between security forces and suspected Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons at multiple locations in Moreh. With the volatile law and order situation and the threat of ambush from militants, helicopter services became crucial for airlifting injured personnel.

 

The letter also acknowledged MHA's earlier communication on January 4, emphasizing the need to specify the requirement of MHA Air assets (helicopters) for a specific period. Limited resources in the north east region were cited as a reason for the inability to provide continuous MHA Air Asset presence in one place for an extended period.