In a significant development, at least eleven suspected insurgents were killed after a gunfight broke out with security forces in Manipur's Jiribam district on Monday (November 11). According to the information released, the incident occurred in Manipur's Jakurador Karong area, where security forces engaged in a heavy exchange of fire with armed militants in a retaliatory attack that killed 11 of them.
The police said that around 2:30 pm, several armed militants in camouflage uniforms broke into the area and fired incessantly at the Borobekra police station and the CRPF camp located nearby. The police mentioned, they (the insurgents) also targeted the local market, around 100 meters away, and torched several shops, besides attacking some houses. As the security forces retaliated, a heavy exchange of fire began, resulting in the deaths of 11 suspected militants and injuries to two CRPF personnel.
Further details regarding the attack are presently being investigated.
'Five people are missing after the attack'
Significantly, officials also mentioned that after the attack, a search was initiated to locate five missing people reportedly staying at the relief camp within the premises of the police station where the attack occurred. The police stated that it is unclear whether these civilians were kidnapped by the retreating militants or went into hiding after the attack began; however, a search for them is currently underway.
'Prohibitory orders issued in Jiribam'
Meanwhile, following the attack, prohibitory orders were issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, which prohibits gatherings of five or more persons at a time. According to the notification released, officials cited apprehension of widespread disturbance to justify the prohibition on the assembly of five or more persons.
"There is apprehension of widespread disturbance to peace and public tranquility or a riot or any affray in the area and grave danger to human lives and properties because of the unlawful activities of some anti-social elements," stated the notification, which prohibited the assembly of five or more persons.
Further, in other news, amid the incident of encounter today, violent clashes were also reported from various villages in Imphal West and Imphal East districts. The officials speaking of the matter said, that in Imphal West militants allegedly fired at the low-lying areas of Koutruk from the hilltops of Kangpokpi district. While, in Imphal East, incidents of firing were reported from Chanung and Thamnapokpi areas.
(With inputs fromm agencies)
