During an exchange of fire between security forces and a group of insurgents in Serou, Manipur, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan suffered fatal injuries, while two Assam Rifles personnel sustained gunshot wounds on the night of June 5-6, according to army officials. The injured Assam Rifles personnel have been air evacuated to Mantripukhri for medical treatment.
Extensive area domination operations, involving the Assam Rifles, BSF, and police, were initiated in the Sugnu/Serou areas of Manipur. Intermittent firing occurred between security forces and insurgents throughout the night, and the security forces effectively retaliated. The Indian Army, along with the Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and police, commenced these operations following the recent crisis in Manipur. Search operations are currently underway.
Under the surveillance cover of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Quadcopters, the ongoing area domination operations have led to the recovery of 40 weapons (mostly automatic), mortars, ammunition, and other warlike stores.
The violence in Manipur on May 3 during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) was a response to the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The protest march was against the demand for including the Meitei community in the ST category following a directive from the Manipur High Court on April 19.
In light of Union Home Minister Amit Shah‘s visit to Manipur, security forces have once again appealed to individuals in possession of snatched weapons to surrender them promptly to ensure peace and stability in Manipur. They have warned that failure to surrender such weapons will result in strict legal action against those individuals.
