A Border Security Force personnel posted in Manipue was killed after being hit by a stray bullet during an exchange of fire between suspected Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers in Ukhrul district on Friday.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 4:45 pm at Mongkot Chepu village under Litan police station, where firing reportedly broke out between suspected Kuki-Zo volunteers from Mongkot Chepu and Tangkhul Naga volunteers from Shikibung village.
The deceased was identified as Mithun Mandal, a constable of the BSF’s 170 Battalion, who had been deployed in the area for road opening patrol duty. He sustained a bullet injury to his left shoulder during the crossfire.
Mandal was immediately evacuated to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Hospital authorities said the bullet had damaged a vital organ.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, while security forces have been put on alert in the area. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the firing.
The body was kept at the RIMS mortuary for post-mortem examination later in the evening.
Reacting to the incident, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand strongly condemned the killing, calling it an “unfortunate and tragic incident” in which the jawan was martyred while on duty.
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“Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the brave jawan succumbed to his injuries at around 6:00 PM at RIMS, Imphal. Hailing from Bhagjan Tola village in West Bengal, Constable Mandal served the nation with unwavering courage, dedication, and a deep sense of duty,” he said.
“His supreme sacrifice in the line of duty will always be remembered with the highest honour and gratitude. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. In this hour of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with them. May the Almighty grant them the strength and fortitude to endure this irreparable loss. The State Government stands in solidarity with the family, and we remain resolute in our commitment to uphold peace, security, and justice,” the Chief Minister added.
Tension has persisted in parts of Ukhrul district since February following clashes between youths from the Tangkhul and Kuki-Zo communities, which had escalated into violence, with more than 50 houses set ablaze.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic unrest since May 2023, leaving over 260 people dead and displacing more than 60,000, according to official estimates.
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