Tensions rise in Manipur after deadly attack on police station and abductions

Tensions flared in Manipur on Tuesday after at least 10 militants and two civilians were killed in an attack on a police station and a CRPF camp in Jiribam district. The attack, followed by the alleged abduction of six civilians, sparked widespread protests and bandhs by both Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups.

Meitei organizations demanded the release of the six civilians, including women and children, allegedly kidnapped by militants. Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo groups claimed that 11 community youths were killed in a "fake encounter" by security forces. Police confirmed the deaths of 10 militants in a gunfight on Monday, and one CRPF jawan was injured. The official toll is 11 dead militants.

In Jiribam, police launched a rescue operation for the missing civilians, but social media images claiming to show the captives have not been verified. The missing civilians include Yumrembam Rani Devi (60), Telem Thoibi Devi (31), her daughter, and several children.

Following the violence, two elderly IDPs were found dead, and three women and minors remain untraced. The Kuki-Zo Council called for a 13-hour bandh in protest, while Meitei groups organized a 24-hour shutdown in the Imphal Valley, demanding action on the abductions.

Authorities stated that the insurgents used sophisticated firearms in the attack and that the security forces responded only after being fired upon. No major incidents were reported during the shutdowns, but tensions remain high. Kuki-Zo groups have called for a probe into the Jiribam incident, with some demanding a CBI investigation.

Manipur's police are continuing their search operations for the missing civilians.