Imphal: At least 10 suspected Kuki militants were shot dead in an encounter with the security forces in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Monday.
The encounter started around 3 pm after suspected Kuki insurgents attacked the Borobekra police station, where both state and central forces were stationed.
CRPF and civil police retaliated strongly.
“After 40-45 minutes of heavy exchange of fire, the situation was brought under control. After the firing ceased, the area was searched and 10 dead bodies of armed militants were recovered along with arms and ammunition,” Manipur Police said in a post on X.
Weapons recovered included 3 AK rifles, 4 SLRs, 2 INSAS, 1 RPG, 1 Pump Action Gun, BP helmets and magazines, police added.
During the gunfight, a CRPF constable named Sanjeev Kumar sustained bullet injury and has been evacuated to the nearby Silchar Medical College in Assam.
A relief camp for internally displaced people, housed next to the police station, may also have been the target.
CRPF has sent reinforcements to Jiribam, where curfew has been imposed.
Tension escalated in Jiribam since last week when a fresh round of violence broke out.
Three days ago, a woman from Hmar tribe was killed by suspected Meitei insurgents, who also set some houses on fire in Jiribam. Her husband, who filed a police case, alleged she was raped before being killed.
A day later, a woman from Meitei community was shot dead by suspected Kuki insurgents while she was working in a paddy field.
On Monday, Kuki militants opened fire in Imphal East District, leaving a farmer injured.