IMPHAL: Security forces engaged in a firefight with militants following recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives, and other military equipment during operations in Manipur's Churachandpur district, identified as a focal point of the ongoing conflict between two communities.
Troops from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), Army’s Sikh Regiments, and Manipur police reportedly responded when militants resumed firing from elevated positions in the Senpajai and Kanglathei hill ranges towards the villages of Uyumakhong and Ngangkhalawai in Bishnupur district around 11 pm on Monday (February 26), according to officials on Tuesday (February 27).
However, there were no casualties reported on either side.
These clashes occurred following joint cordon and search operations conducted by the Assam Rifles, Manipur police, and IRB in the vicinity of Dampi Ridge and Moljang in Churachandpur district a day earlier.
The operations yielded the recovery of various weaponry, including a 7.62mm semi-automatic rifle, a 12mm bore single barrel rifle, a mortar, ammunition, a .303 rifle, and a 9 mm carbine ammunition.
The recovered items were subsequently handed over to Manipur police for further investigation.
In response to the escalating violence between the Kukis and Meities in Manipur, which commenced in May 2023 and has claimed over 200 lives, security forces have been deployed to critical areas to restore peace and quell the unrest.
