Tribal outfit cries foul, announces shutdown today

Animesh Singh Tribune News Service

Ten militants armed with sophisticated weapons were killed in retaliatory fire after they attacked a CRPF post at Jakuradhor under Borobekra police station in Manipur’s Jiribam district around 3 pm on Monday, officials said.

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Though the officials did not confirm the identity of the militants, tribal body Kuki-Zo Council alleged its village volunteers were killed by CRPF personnel. The council put the count at 11.

Hours later, the Manipur Government imposed an indefinite curfew across Jiribam district as the tribal body declared a shutdown in the state from 5 am to 6 pm tomorrow. In a post on X, the Manipur Police said, “The CRPF post was attacked by armed militants and the security forces retaliated strongly. CRPF constable Sanjeev Kumar sustained a bullet injury and has been evacuated to Silchar Medical College in Assam. After the firing ceased, the area was searched and the bodies of 10 militants were recovered.”

The Kuki-Zo Council said, “A total shutdown will be observed on November 12 from 5 am to 6 pm. We call for immediate and thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.” The Hmar Students Association also condemned the killings, alleging these had been orchestrated by “Central, Manipur state-supported forces and Meitei militants”.

Officials said a relief camp was also located within the premises of the police station and five persons living there went missing. It was not clear whether these civilians were kidnapped by the retreating militants or went into hiding after the attack began.