Violent Clash During Anti-Drug Operation on Assam-Manipur Border
Incident Overview
Ambulance carrying the injured police personnel to refer him to Guwahati for critical medical attention (Photo: AT)
Silchar/Jiribam, May 6: A violent incident erupted on Tuesday night during an anti-drug operation near the Assam-Manipur border when suspected traffickers opened fire on a police team from Cachar, resulting in critical injuries to a senior officer in the Joypur-Jirighat border area.
Details of the Encounter
The confrontation occurred at Dinglang Basti, a location notorious for drug trafficking activities. The injured officer, Havaldar Sharif Hossain Kazi, was shot twice during the exchange, according to police reports.
Cachar Superintendent of Police Sanjib Kumar Saikia confirmed that the 50-year-old officer was first taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for urgent care before being airlifted to Guwahati for advanced treatment on Wednesday morning.
“He suffered two bullet wounds, one of which was to the abdomen, causing significant trauma,” Saikia stated.
Operation Background
The police operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding drug trafficking in the border area, but the suspected traffickers retaliated by firing at the officers.
“We conducted the operation in Lakhipur based on intelligence reports. The encounter occurred in the Joypur-Jirighat border region,” the SP explained.
Following the gunfight, the assailants escaped into the nearby dense forests under the cover of night, and no arrests have been made yet.
Investigation and Security Measures
Saikia mentioned that an investigation is underway to track down those responsible for the attack. “The investigation will help identify the perpetrators,” he added.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the operation, the SP noted that the police team was following standard procedures, with senior officers, including the Co-District Superintendent of Police, present during the operation.
In response to the shooting, additional security forces, including Assam Rifles personnel, have been deployed in the vicinity, and a large-scale search operation is currently in progress along the border.
The Assam-Manipur border, especially the areas within Cachar district, has been a hotspot for drug trafficking, presenting ongoing challenges for law enforcement agencies.