Manipur: Unrest in Moreh Border Town Prompts Urgent Request for Air Assets Amid Escalating Tensions

IMPHAL: In the wake of recent unrest in the border town of Moreh, Manipur, which tragically claimed the life of an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel, the state government has urgently reached out to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for immediate assistance in the form of air assets, specifically helicopters, for the next seven days. The Commissioner Home, T Ranjit Singh, conveyed the pressing situation in a letter to the Additional Secretary (Police II Division), citing the need for swift action.

The letter refers to a previous communication from the MHA that emphasized the limited resources in the North East region, making it challenging to provide continuous air assets in a single location for an extended period. The state government's requisition, therefore, is framed as a request for specific dates based on the availability of these critical resources.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation in Moreh, the letter underscores the persistent law and order issues, marked by ongoing exchanges of fire. The recent incident resulted in the tragic death of an IRB personnel on January 17. Commissioner Singh expressed concern that the current unrest may escalate further, potentially leading to a medical emergency. The Police Department also stressed the need for airlifting security personnel and ammunition to address the emergent challenges.

To address these pressing needs, the state government urgently implores the MHA to provide air assets, specifically helicopters, and station them in Imphal from January 17, 2024, onwards for a minimum of seven days. The letter emphasizes the need for swift action, given the tense situation and the potential for further deterioration.

As of January 17, Moreh remains embroiled in tension, with reports of fresh exchanges of fire between security forces and armed miscreants. The situation took a tragic turn when armed assailants targeted IRB personnel while they were sleeping near Ema Kondong Lairembi Devi Mandir. The attackers, wielding rocket-propelled grenades and live rounds, ambushed security forces in the early morning hours, leading to the death of one Commando (CDO) personnel and injuring another. Fortunately, the Assam Rifles, located just 20 meters from the IRB Post, swiftly responded by deploying Bullet Proof Vehicles to shield the IRB personnel and retaliating against the assailants, preventing further casualties.

The urgent plea from the Manipur government underscores the critical need for immediate intervention to quell the escalating violence and stabilize the volatile situation in Moreh.

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