1. Moreh, a border town in Manipur, witnesses a renewed outbreak of violence.
2. Armed assailants target police commandos’ vehicles, using RPGs in the attack.
3. The recent incidents exacerbate tensions in Manipur, which is already grappling with ethnic strife.
Imphal, Jan 02: Manipur, the border town of Moreh has once again become a flashpoint for violence, marking a disturbing escalation in the region’s security situation.
Ambush on Security Forces: On January 2, armed assailants targeted vehicles transporting police commandos en route to the border town of Moreh, situated near Myanmar. Reports indicate that the attackers, in a brazen act, fired rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at the state commandos during a search operation.
The ambush resulted in injuries to several security personnel, and the wounded commandos were promptly admitted to the Assam Rifles hospital. Among the five injured, four belong to the CDO (Commando) unit, and one is from the BSF (Border Security Force).
Escalation of Violence: These incidents of violence have added to the existing tensions in Manipur, a region already grappling with ethnic strife. The recent attack on security forces follows an earlier eruption of violence on January 1, marking a grim start to the year 2024.
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In Lilong Chingjao, armed assailants, purportedly wearing police uniforms and arriving in four vehicles, opened fire on civilians, resulting in four deaths and fourteen injuries. The attackers’ vehicles were subsequently set ablaze by an angered mob.
Roots of Unrest: The violence in Manipur has deep-seated roots in a dispute over affirmative action measures, contributing to considerable unrest in the region.
Ethnic conflicts, particularly between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis, have been ongoing since May 3rd, 2023. Official government figures report over 100 fatalities, with nearly 60,000 individuals displaced. Unofficial estimates suggest an even higher toll.
Challenges for Security Forces: The recent surge in violence underscores the delicate peace in Manipur and the formidable challenges faced by security forces in maintaining order amid the persistent ethnic conflict.
The ambush on security forces, coupled with the preceding incidents, points to a volatile situation that demands immediate attention and comprehensive efforts to address the underlying issues fueling unrest in the region.
