A police officer was killed and 3 police sustained injuries in separate attacks made by the Kuki militants in the Tengnoubal district of Manipur bordering Myanmar on Tuesday, prompting the state cabinet meeting that directed for launching a joint operation in Moreh and adjoining areas to nab the culprits responsible for the crime. 

A Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chingtham Anandkumar of Moreh was shot dead while he was overseeing preparations on the Eastern Ground for a helicopter landing on Tuesday. A bullet passed through his belly and the officer died on the way to the Moreh Hospital. Following the report of the killing, an additional team of the Manipur police commandos were rushed towards Moreh. But the team was ambushed by the Kuki militants at Sinam village in the same district at around 3 p.m. Three policemen were injured in the attacks the police said. At the time of filing this report, firing has been continuing between the police and Kuki militants at and around the Sinam village about 70 km from Imphal.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the cold-blooded killing of SDPO Chingtham Anand, OC Moreh Police this morning. His dedication to serving and protecting the people will always be remembered. The perpetrators will be brought to justice.”

The state Cabinet with the chief minister in the chair directed for launching of a joint operation in Moreh and adjoining areas to nab the culprits responsible for the crime, and to continue the same till the culprits are arrested. Cabinet also noted that additional State forces have been detailed from Imphal for the purpose. The operations have since started.

The Cabinet further directed that the Central and State forces shall ensure free movement of transportation and the general public along Pallel-Moreh road on NH-102.