By M.Devanand Sharma
Jiribam (Manipur), Nov 11 : In a significant counter-insurgency operation, security forces led by the CRPF gunned down at least 11 suspected Kuki militants in Jakurador, Borobekra sub-division, Jiribam district, on Monday. The heavy exchange of fire began when heavily armed Kuki militants torched several shops at Jakurador Karong and attacked a locality and a CRPF camp.
Two CRPF personnel sustained injuries during the crossfire, with one jawan’s condition reported as serious. The bodies of the 11 militants have been recovered and brought to Borobekra police station. However, five civilians are still reported missing, and it’s unclear whether they’ve been abducted by retreating militants or are in hiding.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent clashes between security forces and militant groups in Manipur. The region has been plagued by ethnic tensions and insurgency, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities . The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property.
The roots of the conflict date back to the British colonial era, with the hill tribes and valley dwellers having distinct administrative and cultural identities. The demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the Meitei community has been a contentious issue, with the Kuki and Naga communities viewing it as an attempt to undermine their rights.
