Kuki attacks police station in Jiribam, 3 Meitei houses damaged

Imphal 19 October, 2024: Kuki militants attacked the Borobekera police station in Jiribam district of Manipur while the militants damaged three Meitei villages using explosives on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred few days after the initiated of peace talks among state legislators belonging to Meitei, Kuki-Zo-Hmar, and Naga communities to restore peace in the strife-torn state.

Police said a gunfight broke out around 5:30 am after suspected Kuki militants launched an attack on the Borobekera police station, using sophisticated firearms and bombs.

A heavy exchange of fire was underway between the armed militants and a combined team of Manipur and central forces. It lasted till about 7 am.

Borobekera is located about 30 km from Jiribam’s headquarters.

“Sporadic firings are happening in some areas of the state, including that occurred today in Jiribam. With the efforts of the security forces, the situation has been brought under control,” Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, told reporters on the sidelines of the 133rd Raising Day celebration of Manipur Police, here.

Additional security forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation of violence, the police chief said.

No casualties have been reported by the district police during the incident.

The police chief said the best solution to the present crisis is to hold a Peaceful Dialogue between the fighting communities.

“To stop the sporadic incidents of conflict the state police and other forces have been put on high alert to prevent any further escalation,” he added and urged all communities to come forward with constructive suggestions.

In this challenging time, the police, with cooperation from the public, civil society organisations and other security forces, are addressing the situation as effectively as possible, he said.

He also appealed to the public not to perceive the police as using excessive force. “If the police had used excessive force, many innocent civilians could have been harmed while controlling the mobs.”