Jiribam : A police naka (checkpoint) located at Leingangpokpi in Jiribam district of Manipur was set on fire by suspected armed Kuki militants on Wednesday around 10:20 pm.

The naka point, situated about 6 km from the Jiribam district police station, is located on the border between Jiribam district and Tamenglong district. While Naka Point falls under the Jiribam district, the nearby Paithol village is located in the Tamenglong district.

After the fire was reported, police reinforcements rushed to the site but were ambushed by the miscreants. A gun battle ensued that lasted around half an hour. A fire tender that responded to douse the flames was also hit by bullets.

Sources revealed that the Naka point had faced fierce gun attacks and bomb-hurling incidents in the past, prompting authorities to withdraw night-time security personnel from the location. Taking advantage of the lack of security, the militants set the naka post on fire under the cover of darkness.

The attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the border area, with questions being raised about the vulnerability of the isolated naka point located near the Paithol village.