Bihar's CRPF Jawan Killed In Manipur Ambush, Three Security Personnel Injured; CM Biren Suspects Kuki Militants Behind Attack

In an ambush by insurgents, suspected to be Kuki militants, a Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) jawan lost his life in Manipur's Jiribam on Sunday (14 July).

43-year-old Ajay Kumar Jha was walking near a patrol SUV when the insurgents opened fire. Another CRPF jawan and two state police commandos were injured in the firing.

Jha, who hails from Bihar, was hit on his forehead and was declared dead on arrival as he was taken to Jiribam district hospital. A Sub-Inspector (SI) from Jiribam Police Station is among the three injured.

The security personnel retaliated to the fire by insurgents but they took cover of the forest and ran away. A combing operation is going on, a senior police officer told NDTV.

Visuals show several bullet holes in the patrol SUV. The rear windshield of the car was shattered. The security personnel sitting inside were hit and were taken to Jiribam district hospital.

The gunfight began around 9:30 am and stopped at 11:30 am. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the killing of the CRPF personnel and asserted that his sacrifice will not go in vain.

Jiribam was tense for a few weeks as the district witnessed clashes between the Meitei community and the Hmar tribes, forcing thousands to relocate to relief camps.