Heavy exchange of gunfire occurred between security forces and armed individuals in the vicinity of Keithelmanbi, at the border of Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts on Sunday, as per a Hindustan Times report. However, there have been no reports of casualties.
The incident transpired on the northwestern outskirts of Keithelmanbi, specifically under the jurisdiction of Keithelmanbi police station, around 4:30 am after security forces thwarted an attack by armed individuals in the general area of New Keithelmanbi, as reported by the police.
The police control room issued a statement on Sunday, explaining, “On the night of 7.10.2023, vigilant security forces foiled an attack by armed miscreants in general area New Keithelmanbi.
Thereafter, at around 4.30 am on 8.10.2023, security forces deployed on the northwest periphery of Keithelmanbi detected suspicious movement of some individuals and fired illumination rounds to ascertain their identity.”
The statement continued, “The security forces came under fire and effectively retaliated in a calibrated manner, causing the miscreants to flee. Combing operations were thereafter undertaken by the security forces. The alertness and calibrated response by the security forces prevented the nefarious designs of the miscreants from being successful.”
On the preceding Saturday night, there was a minor bomb blast outside the residence of a Manipur minister in the state capital, Imphal, resulting in injuries to a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and a woman. According to the police, two individuals on motorcycles hurled a grenade a short distance away from the minister’s residence.
Furthermore, on Sunday, Manipur police apprehended an active member of an underground group in Imphal West district. They recovered a 9mm pistol, 3 rounds of ammunition, 3 mobile phones, and Rs 45,000 in cash from his possession. The arrested individual was reportedly involved in extortion activities in Imphal, according to the police.
In parallel, security forces conducted search operations in the border and susceptible areas of Imphal West, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.
Regarding the movement of supplies, officials mentioned that 100 vehicles carrying essential items were ensured along National Highway 2. Stringent security measures were implemented in vulnerable locations, and security convoys were provided in sensitive areas to guarantee the unimpeded and safe movement of vehicles.
A total of 133 checkpoints were established across various districts in the state, and authorities detained 1,599 individuals in connection with violations in various parts of the state.
(This news article was written by Mokokchung Times with inputs from agencies.)