Manipur | Fierce gunfight between militant groups reported at Moreh

 | 

IMPHAL | October 27 2018:

In the wee hours on Friday, a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out between rival militant groups at 11 KV Power Sub-station gate of Indo-Myanmar Border Town Moreh of Tengnoupal district Manipur.

Police said that the encounter started at around 1:10am and lasted till 1:52am. As a combined team of police commandos and 11 Assam Rifles rushed at the spot, the militant groups reportedly retreated from their positions. The incident is suspected to be between two militant groups who have base in Moreh town. A search operation was conducted in and around the surrounding areas of the encounter site but no arrests was made.

For More Manipur News Click Here

While it could not be confirmed if there was any casualty, the police has found traces of blood from the encounter site. They also recovered a hand grenade, a large number of empty cartridges of automatic rifles from the site.

There were multiple bullets holes in the buildings and houses in the vicinity including the electricity office and Moreh trade center. But, there was no report of any civilian casualty either, said the police.

It is speculated that the skirmish could be between rival Kuki militants operating in the area, who are under tripartite suspension of operation agreement with the government, however, there is no official confirmation.

SP of Tengnoupal district Dr S Ibomcha said, "At present, we cannot fully establish who were involved in the gunfight. We have started an investigation into the matter".

Source: Indian Express