Counter-Insurgency Operation in Manipur Results in Casualties
Incident Overview
Security forces intensify intelligence-led operations across hill districts. (Photo)
Imphal, July 29: A tragic incident occurred in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday, where a 22-year-old individual was reportedly killed during a counter-insurgency operation. Additionally, two members of the CRPF's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) sustained injuries.
Details of the Incident
The deceased has been identified as Lanbimei Riamei, the son of Kadirang Riamei from Longmai Bazar. He suffered fatal bullet wounds during the operation.
Injured CoBRA personnel include Head Constable Radheshyam and Constable (GD) Jitendra Kumar, both of whom received minor splinter injuries during the gunfire exchange. They have been evacuated for medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.
Reports indicate that three other alleged Naga village guards were also injured, but their identities were not confirmed at the time of this report.
Operation Details
The operation commenced in the early hours in Biting village, under the Tupul subdivision, based on intelligence regarding a suspected training camp of the Naga Village Guards (NVG), a local armed defense group.
A fierce gunfight ensued between the security forces and the alleged village guards during the operation.
Search and combing operations continued throughout the day, with additional reinforcements deployed to bolster the security perimeter.
Community Response
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council, Manipur (WC-JTCM), which represents the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme communities, has condemned the operation. They allege that CoBRA personnel collaborated with members of ZUF-J during the incident, claiming that the security forces targeted local community defense volunteers.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from the security forces or the Manipur government.
In response to the incident, the WC-JTCM announced an emergency shutdown in areas inhabited by their communities, affecting National Highways, railway construction, and other Central government projects, although essential services like healthcare and education remain exempt.
The shutdown will persist until the Government of India takes what the organization describes as "decisive and meaningful action" regarding the incident.
Ongoing Operations
This operation is part of a broader initiative to enhance security in Manipur's hill districts, following recent violence and rising security concerns. Security forces have increased intelligence-led operations against armed groups in various vulnerable regions, maintaining a heavy presence across the state.
Local sources have reported disruptions in mobile communication services in the Biting-Tupul area following the operation, although the cause of this disruption remains unverified.
Officials have stated that a comprehensive assessment of the operation, including details on recoveries and casualties, will be provided once the operation concludes. As of now, the operation is still ongoing, with security forces heavily present in and around Biting village.