A gunfight broke out between the Indian Army and suspected insurgents in Bishnupur district on Wednesday night, lasting about 30 minutes, while security forces separately dismantled six illegal bunkers in Ukhrul district as part of ongoing operations to curb violence.
The exchange of fire began around 11.40 pm when suspected Kuki militants targeted an Army post in Phougakchao Awang Leikai, according to a police statement.
"At approximately 11.40 pm on Wednesday, suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire in the general area of Phouljang/Gothol, directing their fire towards an Indian Army post in Phougakchao Awang Leikai," the statement said.
Personnel of the Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (58th Battalion), deployed in the area, retaliated, triggering a gun-battle.
"The Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (58th Battalion), deployed in the area, responded swiftly by returning fire towards the source, resulting in an exchange that lasted approximately 30 minutes," the statement said.
Also read: 14 UNLF (K) militants held in Manipur, arms, cash seized
Following the exchange, a joint search operation was launched by the Army, CRPF, police and the Indian Reserve Battalion in the area and adjoining hill regions.
"The situation is being closely monitored, and security forces will continue operations in the surrounding hill areas," the statement said, urging civilians to refrain from spreading rumours.
In a separate operation in Ukhrul district, security forces dismantled six bunkers constructed by armed groups in violence-affected areas, including Litan and Mongkat Chepu Upper village.
"In continuation of the operation by security forces which commenced yesterday, six bunkers illegally constructed were dismantled on Wednesday at Litan and Mongkat Chepu Upper village areas," another police statement said.
The bunkers had been used in recent clashes in Litan, where at least three persons were injured. The area has witnessed heightened tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga villagers near Litan Sareikhong, with earlier violence in February leading to the burning of over 30 houses.
Subsequent incidents of firing have been reported from nearby villages such as Mongkot Chepu and Sharkaphung. On Tuesday, two Tangkhul Naga persons were injured in firing at Sharkaphung in neighbouring Kamjong district, while a Kuki woman sustained injuries at Mongkot Chepu a day earlier.
Security forces have intensified search operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable locations to prevent further escalation.
Follow us
