In Ukhrul district of Manipur, yesterday a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was killed by extremist gunfire. During a clash between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga volunteers, a stray bullet hit the on-duty jawan. This tragic incident occurred around 4:45 PM in Mankot Chepu village under Litan police station. The deceased jawan has been identified as Mithun Mondal of the 170 Battalion.
According to police sources, gunfire suddenly broke out between two extremist groups in Mankot Chepu and Shikibung villages. At that time, Mondal, who was on road security duty, was hit by a bullet in his left shoulder. He was immediately taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, but around 6 PM he succumbed to his injuries while under treatment. Hospital authorities stated that the bullet had caused damage to a vital organ of the jawan.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has strongly condemned this murder. Through Twitter, he said, “The supreme sacrifice made by BSF jawan Mithun Mondal while on duty for the country will always be remembered.” Condoling the death of Mondal, a resident of Bhajan Tola village in West Bengal, the Chief Minister expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. He also stated that the state government is committed to establishing peace and justice.
It is worth mentioning that since last February, there has been intense tension between the Tangkhul and Kuki-Zo communities in Ukhrul district. In a prior clash, nearly 50 houses were burnt down. The ethnic violence that has been ongoing across Manipur since May 2023 has so far claimed the lives of more than 260 people. The police have already initiated an investigation into the incident and have tightened security arrangements in the area.
