Manipur ambush kills three Meitei villagers, security forces launch drone, helicopter-assisted combing operation

Security forces launched a combing operation with sniffer dogs and drones in the Sunurok hills of Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Monday, while helicopters were deployed for surveillance after suspected militants ambushed 14 Meitei men collecting firewood, killing three of them.

The killings triggered protests by locals who placed two bodies outside the chief minister's residence here and staged a demonstration. Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the agitators.

Addressing the media, ADGP (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said, "Around 9.40 am on Monday, unidentified militants opened fire on a group of 14 Meitei villagers who were engaged in cutting and transporting firewood. The exact spot is Sunurok hills under Sagolmang Police Station."

"Three individuals died in the incident while three more sustained injuries and they are now under medical care," the police officer said.

Asserting that security forces have taken the matter with utmost seriousness, Lhatoo said necessary security measures have been put in place, and the situation was being very closely monitored.

A combing oepration was underway in the area involving a joint team of police, CRPF, CoBRA, Assam Rifles, and BSF personnel, the police officer said, adding that sniffer dogs and drones have been deployed while a helicopter is being used for surveillance.

"Mobile checkposts have also been set up," he said.

He also said, "Police, in close coordination with CRPF, BSF, Army, Assam Rifles and other sister security agencies, is working continuously to maintain law and order, and to prevent further escalation."

Assuring people that strict action would be taken against perpetrators of the crime, he appealed to the public to exercise restraint.