11 suspected militants killed in encounter with security forces in Manipur’s Jiribam; curfew imposed

Manipur News: At least 11 suspected militants were killed in an encounter with the CRPF personnel in Manipur's Jiribam district on Monday.

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel also sustained injuries. He was rushed to Silchar Medical College for treatment.

The firing took place after armed militants torched several shops located in Borobekra sub-division of Jiribam district earlier in the day.

The militants fired several rounds towards Borobekra police station around 2.30pm and proceeded towards Jakurador Karong and engaged in arson.

The militants also attacked some houses and a nearby CRPF camp.

Meanwhile, a report said that five civilians were still missing. The official added that it was not clear whether they were kidnapped by the retreating militants or were in hiding after the attack began.

Curfew in Jiribam district

The Manipur government has imposed an indefinite curfew across the entire Jiribam district, effective immediately. This measure has been implemented to prevent potential disturbances and ensure the maintenance of law and order.

Manipur police on encounter

In a post on X, the Manipur Police said, "Today, 11th November, 2024 at about 3 pm, the CRPF Post located at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station (located nearby), Jiribam District were attacked by armed militants. The security forces retaliated strongly. Due to the attack, one CRPF constable namely Sanjeev Kumar sustained bullet injury and has been evacuated to Silchar Medical College, Assam and is under treatment."

The attack was fiercely retaliated by CRPF and police, and after 40-45 minutes of heavy exchange of fire, the situation was brought under control, it said.

"After the firing ceased, the area was searched and 10 (ten) dead bodies of armed militants were recovered along with arms and ammunition (3 nos. of AKs, 4nos. of SLRs, 2 nos. of INSAS, 01 no. of RPG, 01 no. of Pump Action Gun, BP Helmets and Magazines). Accordingly, a criminal case has been registered and is being investigated," it added.

Farmer injured

In a separate incident, a farmer was injured after militants opened fire from nearby hilltop positions on Monday morning while he was working in the fields in Imphal East district.

The attacks are affecting the harvesting of paddy crops as many farmers in the periphery areas of the valley are feeling afraid to go to the fields, said Officials.

Arms seized

Meanwhile, in the last three days during search operations in hill and valley districts, security forces seized several arms, ammunition and IEDs.

"The seized items have been handed over to Manipur Police. The successful recovery of these warlike stores highlights the seamless cooperation between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and other law enforcement agencies" a statement issued by Assam Rifles said on Monday.

Multiple gun attacks

Multiple gun attacks and arson have been reported in Borobekra sub-division since violence broke out in June and is one of the worst affected areas in the district.

Woman killed

Last week, a 31-year-old woman was killed during an attack at Zairon Hmar village by armed miscreants, following which, tension has prevailed in the district.

Over 200 killed

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis in Manipur since May last year.