BSF soldier killed in Manipur gun battle; operations against ultras continue

Guwahati: A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed and two Assam Rifles personnel were shot at during a gun battle with militants in Manipur.

Defence sources said that multiple incidents of violence, arson and firing in Sugnu and Serou areas of Manipur necessitated the redeployment of additional troops over the past 48 hours to beef up the area domination operations and as part of measures to prevent arson and violence.

Sources added, "As a result of extensive area domination operations by the Assam Rifles, BSF and the police in Sugnu/Serou, intermittent exchange of fire took place between the security forces and insurgents during Monday night and it continued till Tuesday. Security forces took adequate measures to prevent the insurgents from 'breaking contact' and running away to nearby areas."


Firing intensified in the early hours of Tuesday and in the ensuing firefight, BSF constable Ranjit Yadav sustained fatal injuries. Two Assam Rifles personnel sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated by Army helicopter to Mantripukhri, Imphal. Inputs indicate some casualties to the insurgents and are being verified on the ground. During the preliminary search "two AK series rifles, one 51mm mortar, two carbines, ammunition and warlike stores have been recovered" from the area. Operations are in progress to sanitise the area.

The BSF jawan later succumbed to his injuries. Chief Minister N Biren Singh was seen as one of the pall-bearers of the jawan's coffin. Singh tweeted, "My humble tributes to Ct/GD Ranjit Yadav, ex-163 Bn, BSF who laid down his life during an exchange of gunfire at Serou, Kakching District on 6th June 2023. May his soul rest in peace".

On Saturday, militants burnt the residence of former minister and Congress MLA K Ranjit.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Tuesday extended its ban on internet services till June 10. "The suspension of mobile data services, including broadband, has been extended till 3 pm of June 10", an order issued by commissioner (home) H Gyan Prakash said. The ban was first imposed on May 3.

At least 98 people lost their lives and 310 others were injured in the ethnic violence in Manipur that broke out a month ago. A total of 37,450 people are currently sheltered in 272 relief camps.