Did suspected militants open fire in Manipur's Bishnupur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gunfire in Bishnupur escalates local tensions.
- Security forces are actively searching for suspected militants.
- No injuries have been reported from the incident.
- Recent return of displaced individuals adds to local concerns.
- Ongoing operations against militant activities continue across Manipur.
Imphal, Dec 16 (NationPress) Suspected militants discharged gunfire in the outskirts of Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday evening, heightening tensions in this diverse region, according to officials.
A police representative disclosed that multiple shots were fired near the Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai sectors of Bishnupur district, adjacent to the Churachandpur region.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from this incident.
A significant contingent of security personnel, spearheaded by senior officials, hurried to the scene and initiated a search operation aimed at apprehending the suspected militants involved in the shooting.
The recent gunfire near the foothills caused widespread fear among the local populace.
This event transpired just a day after approximately 390 individuals, who had been displaced by ethnic violence, returned to their residences in Phougakchao Ikhai and nearby locales, the official noted.
Further updates are pending.
In the meantime, coordinated efforts by security forces in Manipur have resulted in the capture of five militants from two banned groups across three different districts, including the seizure of various arms and ammunition in the last 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Manipur Police indicated that the five captured militants, affiliated with the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), were apprehended in various locations within Bishnupur, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts.
Several mobile phones and assorted materials were confiscated from their possession.
These detained extremists were reportedly engaged in the coercive collection of funds from contractors, government staff, merchants, and ordinary citizens.
Additionally, security forces detained a drug trafficker named Suimi Awungshi, 53, from Kamjong district, in Imphal East, along with one kilogram of brown sugar valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh.
Extensive intelligence-driven combing, cordon, and search operations are being conducted throughout the Imphal Valley and mountainous districts to capture those involved in extortion and criminal activities across the state.
Moreover, security forces retrieved various arms and ammunition from Thoubal and Imphal East districts.
The recovered weaponry includes an SMG Carbine, a .303 rifle, six distinct SBBL guns, three 12-bore shotguns, two modified .303 rifles, five handguns, and two 36HE hand grenades.
Substantial quantities of different types of ammunition were also seized from these regions.
Union and state security forces continue their rigorous crackdown on militants, with ongoing search operations and area dominance initiatives in peripheral, diverse, and vulnerable areas throughout Manipur.