📷 Image Credits: NDTV
A tragic incident unfolded in Manipur’s Jiribam district as a soldier of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost his life in the line of duty during an ambush by suspected insurgents. The joint patrol by Manipur Police and CRPF was attacked, leading to the martyrdom of the CRPF soldier and injuries to two police commandos. The ambush site depicted a scene of chaos, with bullet-ridden vehicles and injured personnel. The insurgents opened fire on the patrol, forcing the security forces to retaliate before the attackers fled into the forest.
The tense situation in Jiribam has been exacerbated by recent ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Hmar communities. The area, which has been a hotspot for communal tensions, witnessed a surge in violence, displacing thousands from relief camps. The disruption has also impacted crucial lifelines like National Highway 37, affecting the region’s connectivity.
The violent history between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes has claimed numerous lives and displaced tens of thousands, with both sides having armed self-proclaimed ‘village defence volunteers’. The root cause of the conflict lies in the demand for inclusion in Scheduled Tribes category by the Meiteis and the quest for a separate administrative setup by the Kukis. The region’s landscape is marred by deep-seated resentment and power struggles, creating a volatile environment.
The tragic incident in Jiribam once again highlights the precarious security situation in Manipur and the need for a concerted effort to address the root causes of ethnic tensions. The sacrifice of the CRPF soldier serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by security forces in conflict-prone regions. As the nation mourns the loss of a braveheart, it is imperative to work towards sustainable peace and harmony in the region to prevent further bloodshed and unrest.
