IMPHAL, Apr 27: Two CRPF personnel were killed and two others injured as militants attacked a camp of security forces in Manipur's Bishnupur district in the wee hours of Saturday, police said.
Following the tragic incident, Security advisor to Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh today issued a stern warning to the group responsible for the killing of two CRPF personnel and injuring two others.
The militants attacked an IRBn (India Reserve Battalion) camp at Naranseina in the Moirang police station area, police said.
“The militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targetting the camp. It started around 12.30 am and continued till about 2.15 am. The militants also hurled bombs, one of which exploded in the outpost of CRPF's 128 battalion,” a senior police officer said.
The deceased have been identified as sub-inspector N Sarkar, a native of Assam’s Kokrajhar district, and head constable Arup Saini of Bankura district in West Bengal, he said.
The injured were inspector Jadav Das and constable Aftab Das, he said, adding that they received splinter wounds.
“The two injured personnel were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. They are out of danger,” the officer said.
The CRPF personnel were deployed to provide security to the IRBn camp.
A massive search was underway to find the perpetrators of the attack, police said.
Condemning the incident, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said: “Such actions demonstrate cowardice against dedicated security personnel who work tirelessly day and night to uphold peace and stability in the state. Their sacrifice will not go in vain.”
Meanwhile, the security advisor to the Manipur government has issued a stern warning to the group responsible for the attack on a camp of security forces in Bishnupur district, which resulted in the death of two CRPF personnel and injuries to two others.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said: “Whoever has committed this act will face severe consequences. We are mobilising all necessary resources and agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.”
“The militants came and fired at the IRBn camp at Naranseina in Moirang police station area in the early hours of Saturday. Though it was dark, the forces retaliated. Out of the four injured, two succumbed to injuries,” he said, adding “these forces have come from distant places to maintain peace in this region.”
Singh added: “Starting today, we have instructed all security forces, including Assam Rifles and the army, to intensify operations. We are formulating strategies for day-to-day operations. We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Reacting to the recent IED explosion that damaged a bridge in Kangpokpi district, Singh expressed concern over attacks on national infrastructure and central forces.
“I have seen that groups are now targeting national infrastructure such as roads and bridges. They are also attacking central forces. This cannot be tolerated. We will probe everything and take action against the culprits,” he said.
Expressing surprise at the attack on security forces, Singh said: “We did not anticipate such assaults, especially considering that both Meitei and Kuki militants have historically refrained from targeting forces engaged in maintaining peace. We have always strived to maintain neutrality between both communities. In the past, both communities have welcomed the presence of central forces, so why attack neutral forces now?” (PTI)