Manipur Police intensify efforts to locate six missing persons following militant attack in Jiribam

Following a fierce attack by armed militants on the Borobekra Police Station and a nearby CRPF post in Jiribam district on Sunday, Manipur police have launched a comprehensive search operation to locate six missing persons, including three women and three minors, who disappeared during the assault.

The attack, which occurred around 3 pm, saw heavily armed militants open fire on both the CRPF post in Jakuradhor and the Borobekra Police Station. 

In a press briefing, Inspector General of Police (Operations) IK Muivah described the incident as “unfortunate,” explaining that the security forces were compelled to retaliate after militants disregarded warnings to cease fire, leading to an intense 45-minute confrontation.

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The firefight resulted in the injury of a CRPF officer, the deaths of 10 militants, and the tragic loss of two civilians who had taken shelter in a relief camp at Borobekra Police Station. The missing individuals, identified as Yurembam Rani (60), Telem Thoibi Devi (31), her daughter Telem Thajamanbi Devi (8), Laishram Heitombi Devi (35), and her two sons, Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh (2.5 years) and Laishram Lamnganba Singh (10 months), were staying in the relief camp when the attack occurred.

Authorities confirmed that reinforcements have been deployed, and security forces are working relentlessly to locate the missing persons. According to Muivah, "A case has been registered in connection with the attack, and we are committed to finding those missing and restoring security in the area."

When asked about claims from Kuki-based organizations suggesting that those killed in the clash were civilians, Muivah refuted the assertion, stating that recovered weapons and the attire of the deceased indicated they were militants.

Thirteen people had taken shelter in the relief camp at Borobekra Police Station. Of these, six went missing, five were rescued, and two perished in the assault. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the region, prompting a heightened response from local law enforcement and central forces.