Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to the violence-hit Jiribam district later today, an advance security team was ambushed by suspected insurgents.
Multiple gunshots were fired at the vehicles of the security forces, who retaliated, police said, adding, that the shootout is still on near Kotlen village along a stretch of National Highway-53.
At least two security personnel have been injured in the attack.
The ambush comes amidst a backdrop of heightened violence in the region. The recent surge in violence began on June 6, after the discovery of the body of Soibam Saratkumar Singh, a 59-year-old Meitei farmer who had been missing for weeks. The discovery of Singh's body ignited a wave of outrage among residents, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures and the right to arm themselves for protection.
The Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills, the Kuki Students' Organisation South West Sadar Hills, and the Kuki Women Union Moltam Region have jointly called for a 24-hour total shutdown from midnight on June 10.
"In our bid to maintain peace and tranquillity along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) and to avoid any violent activities, CSOs of the areas had repeatedly appealed to the state government, including police and district administration, not to deploy any Meitei drivers and police personnel along NH-37," stated the Kuki bodies.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, spilling over into neighbouring Assam, where approximately 600 individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds sought refuge in Lakhipur, Cachar district, fleeing the violence gripping their homeland.
Jiribam, situated 220 km from the state capital Imphal, is a strategic gateway bordering Assam, traversed by the vital National Highway 37. Its significance is further underscored by the presence of numerous Kuki villages nestled in the surrounding hills.